President leaves for APEC Economic Leaders’ Week in U.S.

President Vo Van Thuong left Ha Noi on November 14 for the U.S. where he will attend the 2023 APEC Economic Leaders’ Week and engage in bilateral activities from November 14-17 at the invitation of U.S. President Joe Biden. 

President Thuong is accompanied by Chairman of the Presidential Office Le Khanh Hai, Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son, Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien, Minister of Finance Ho Duc Phoc, Chairman of the National Assembly's Committee for Culture and Education Nguyen Dac Vinh, among others.

President Vo Van Thuong's participation in the event demonstrates Viet Nam's support for multilateralism in general and the APEC cooperation process in particular, said Vietnamese Ambassador to the U.S. Nguyen Quoc Dung.

Themed "Creating a Resilient and Sustainable Future for All", the APEC Economic Leaders' Week focuses discussions on connectivity, innovation, inclusiveness and issues of global concern, including sustainable supply chains, digital transformation, digital trade, energy transition, climate change fight, and green economy.

Since Viet Nam joined APEC 25 years ago, the nation has made positive and active contributions to the forum by putting forwards many initiatives and cooperation projects that are highly appreciated by other APEC members, contributing to promoting peace, stability, cooperation, and economic connection in the region, and maintaining APEC's role as a leading economic connection mechanism in Asia-Pacific.

Meanwhile, Viet Nam-U.S. relations have been developing strongly over the recent time. Both nations upgraded their relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership on the occasion of U.S. President Joe Biden's State visit to Viet Nam last September.

The two sides have signed many cooperation agreements across all sectors of economy, science-technology, education-training, and humanitarian issues, including commercial contracts with a total value of over US$10 billion.

Viet Nam's participation in this year's APEC event in the U.S. also provides a chance for the country to step up bilateral relations with the U.S. after the two sides elevated their ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership level.

On this occasion, President Vo Van Thuong will take part in a range of other activities in San Francisco, including his meetings with the host officials, scholars, and businesses to discuss ways to realize the agreements reached when the new partnership was formed.