Vietnam expands global diplomacy with Gaza peace role and high-level US talks
Hanoi demonstrated a more proactive foreign policy posture this week, combining multilateral peace engagement with strengthened bilateral diplomacy during General Secretary To Lam’s high-level meetings in Washington, including talks with US President Donald Trump.
THE HANOI TIMES — Vietnam elevated its global diplomatic profile this week as General Secretary To Lam concluded a three-day visit to the United States, marked by high-level talks with President Donald Trump and participation in the launch of the Board of Peace for Gaza.
Leaders of member countries in the Board of Peace for Gaza. Photo: VNS
At the center of the visit was Vietnam’s role as a founding member of the Gaza Peace Board, signaling Hanoi’s willingness to shoulder greater responsibility in shaping international peace and security efforts.
With leaders from more than 50 countries in attendance, the Board is designed to coordinate humanitarian aid, rebuilding and regional stabilization alongside the United Nations.
General Secretary To Lam (center, second row) attends the in meeting of the Board of Peace held in the United States.
By joining at the highest level, Vietnam positioned itself as an active and responsible stakeholder in multilateral peace efforts, consistent with its long-standing support for the peaceful settlement of disputes under international law and the UN Charter.
Foreign Minister Le Hoai Trung described the trip as the first major high-level multilateral engagement following the 14th National Party Congress, underscoring Vietnam’s policy of independence, self-reliance and proactive international integration.
Potential contributions could include peacekeeping, public security training and humanitarian reconstruction, areas where Vietnam draws on its own post-war recovery experience.
General Secretary To Lam and US President Donald Trump at the White House on February 20.
During talks at the White House on February 20, both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to advancing the Vietnam-US Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in a stable, substantive and effective manner.
Lam congratulated the United States on convening the Board of Peace for Gaza and reaffirmed Vietnam’s readiness to coordinate closely in implementing its peace plan.
He stressed that economic and trade ties remain the backbone of the relationship, calling for candid dialogue and balanced interests to ensure long-term sustainability.
President Trump congratulated General Secreatry To Lam on his re-election and reiterated Washington’s support for a “strong, independent, self-reliant and prosperous” Vietnam.
He welcomed Hanoi’s participation in the Board of Peace for Gaza, describing it as evidence of Vietnam’s rising international standing and its commitment to global stability.
The US president also acknowledged Vietnam’s efforts to address trade imbalances and praised the signing of major commercial agreements during the visit.
Both leaders expressed satisfaction with progress across political-diplomatic relations, trade and investment, war legacy remediation, science and technology, education and people-to-people exchanges.
Lam extended an invitation for President Trump and the First Lady to visit Vietnam again, which the US president warmly accepted.
General Secretary To Lam meets officials of the Vietnam's Mission in the United States.
Beyond Washington, Lam met leaders from Asia, the Middle East and Europe, reinforcing Vietnam’s expanding diplomatic network. Foreign counterparts commended Vietnam’s growing global role and agreed to deepen cooperation in trade, investment, digital transformation, green transition and multilateral coordination.
The visit not only strengthened Vietnam-US relations following their upgrade to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2023, but also underscored Vietnam’s increasingly visible role as a constructive actor in international peacebuilding and sustainable development efforts.
