Vietnam supports Gaza Peace Initiative during high-level US visit
Party General Secretary To Lam’s three-day visit to the United States has produced multibillion-dollar deals and high-level talks, advancing the Vietnam-US Comprehensive Strategic Partnership while reinforcing Hanoi’s role in multilateral peace efforts, including the Board of Peace on Gaza.
THE HANOI TIMES — Vietnamese Party General Secretary To Lam is paying a three-day working visit to the United States from February 18 to 20 at the invitation of President Donald Trump, with a central focus on advancing multilateral cooperation through Vietnam’s participation as a founding member of the Board of Peace on Gaza.
General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam To Lam arrives at Andrews Air Force Base, the US at noon February 18 (local time). Photos: VNA
During his time in Washington, Lam is set to attend the Board’s opening session, underscoring Hanoi’s commitment to international peace efforts, while also overseeing the signing of major commercial agreements and holding phone talks with senior US senators to further deepen the Vietnam-US Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
On the evening of February 18 (local time), the Party chief witnessed the exchange of cooperation agreements between ministries and businesses from both sides valued at a combined US$37.2 billion.
The series of engagements underscores ongoing efforts to deepen political trust and broaden substantive cooperation between the two countries.
The deals cover key sectors, including science and technology, digital transformation, aviation and healthcare, reflecting growing economic alignment following the two countries’ upgrade of ties in September 2023.
SpaceX's wholly owned subsidiary Starlink Services, LLC sign an agreement to provide satellite-based telecommunications services in Vietnam.
Among them, Vietnam’s Ministry of Science and Technology granted a license to SpaceX’s Starlink to provide satellite-based fixed and mobile telecommunications services, paving the way for expanded collaboration in digital infrastructure and connectivity.
Aviation featured prominently in the agreements, with Vietnam Airlines signing a contract with Boeing for 50 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft to support its long-term fleet modernization and network expansion strategy.
An agreement inked between Vietnam Airlines and Boeing Company for the purchase of 50 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft.
Sun Phu Quoc Airways agreed to purchase 40 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, enhancing its long-haul capabilities and boosting tourism and trade links.
Meanwhile, Vietjet signed an engine and maintenance services agreement with Pratt & Whitney for 44 A321NEO and A321XLR aircraft and reached a financing arrangement with Griffin Global Asset Management for six Boeing 737-8 jets.
Tam Anh General Hospital signs an agreement to acquire the Mevion S250-FIT proton therapy system.
In healthcare, Tam Anh General Hospital signed a contract to acquire the Mevion S250-FIT proton therapy system from Mevion Medical Systems, making Vietnam the first country in Asia to operate the advanced cancer treatment technology. The acquisition is expected to improve access to high-precision, less invasive cancer care.
Beyond their commercial value, the agreements signal growing economic interdependence and business confidence as both sides seek to translate upgraded political ties into economic outcomes.
Bilateral relations
General Secretary To Lam’s trip reflects efforts to implement cooperation commitments on international issues under the framework of the Vietnam-US Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
Since the normalization of diplomatic ties in July 1995, bilateral relations have expanded in different fields.
In January 2026, two-way trade reached $15.8 billion, including $13.9 billion worth of Vietnam’s exports and $1.9 billion in imports. The United States remains Vietnam’s largest export market, while Vietnam is the United States’ 8th largest trading partner and its largest trading partner in ASEAN.
In terms of investment, the United States ranks 11th among 108 countries and territories investing in Vietnam, with around 1,409 projects. Meanwhile, the US is the 7th largest destination among 80 countries and territories receiving Vietnamese investment, hosting 230 projects with a total registered capital of nearly $1.3 billion.
In 2025, many US companies continued to signal interest in expanding operations in Vietnam, including major technology firms such as HP and NVIDIA, logistics and delivery groups including FedEx and UPS, as well as energy company Excelerate Energy.
At the same time, Vietnamese firms such as FPT and VinFast have been expanding their investments in the US, further reinforcing mutually beneficial economic ties.
Enhance political trust
In the United States, General Secretary To Lam held separate phone calls with US Senators Steve Daines and Bill Hagerty, members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, on February 18 (local time).
Apart from economic ties, Lam held separate phone calls with US Senators Steve Daines and Bill Hagerty, members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.
In his conversation with Senator Daines, the Vietnamese Party leader welcomed the US Senate’s adoption of a resolution marking the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries, describing it as evidence of bipartisan support for stronger ties.
He called for enhanced parliamentary exchanges and sustained, stable growth in trade and investment.
Daines praised Vietnam’s socio-economic achievements, described the country as a key US economic partner in the region and expressed hope that reciprocal trade arrangements could be concluded soon.
During talks with Senator Hagerty, Lam reaffirmed Vietnam’s consistent foreign policy of independence, self-reliance and diversified international relations, while emphasizing the importance of effectively implementing the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
He urged continued US congressional support for efforts to address war legacies, including unexploded ordnance clearance, dioxin remediation and assistance to victims and reiterated Vietnam’s commitment to cooperation in accounting for missing US servicemen.
Hagerty voiced support for expanding bilateral cooperation on the basis of shared interests and mutual respect.
Affirming Vietnam’s international role
On the multilateral front, Lam is scheduled to attend the inaugural meeting of the Board of Peace on Gaza as a founding member.
On January 16, US President Donald Trump invited General Secretary To Lam and Vietnam to join the Board to help advance a sustainable resolution to the Gaza conflict. Lam accepted the invitation, affirming Vietnam’s readiness to work with the United States and the broader international community toward a long-term and comprehensive peace in the Middle East.
US President Donald Trump signs the Charter of the Board of Peace in calling for peace for Gaza. Photo: The White House
According to Vietnamese Ambassador to the United States Nguyen Quoc Dung, the Party chief’s participation demonstrated Vietnam’s readiness to contribute to international efforts aimed at promoting peace and reconstruction in the conflict-affected territory, in line with relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions.
“The presence of Vietnam’s top leader underscores the country’s commitment to contributing to global peace and development and gives concrete effect to international cooperation pledges under the Vietnam-US Comprehensive Strategic Partnership,” the ambassador said.
He stated that as a founding member, Vietnam aims to work closely with other participants to reinforce the Board of Peace’s role in advancing peace and rebuilding Gaza in line with United Nations Security Council resolutions, while safeguarding the legitimate interests of all sides, particularly the Palestinian people, in accordance with international law and the UN Charter.
Vietnam is not yet a wealthy country, but it has practical experience in overcoming the consequences of war. Vietnam stands ready to contribute personnel and material resources, within its means, to support reconstruction efforts, socio-economic recovery and the stabilization of living conditions for the people of Gaza.
Vietnam’s involvement in the Board of Peace highlights its broader commitment to responsible engagement in global issues, while also reinforcing coordination with the United States on regional and international matters, the ambassador emphasized.
Taken together, the visit blended economic outreach with diplomatic engagement, strengthening political trust and opening new avenues for cooperation as Vietnam-US relations continue to evolve in their next phase.
The visit also reflects Vietnam’s proactive and active approach to foreign affairs, following the designation of diplomacy and international integration as a “key and regular” task alongside national defense and security at the 14th National Party Congress.
