President Donald J. Trump’s Calls President Tran Dai Quang of Vietnam 

U.S President Donald J. Trump spoke on February 14 with President Tran Dai Quang of Vietnam to reaffirm their shared commitment to strengthening the United States-Vietnam Comprehensive Partnership.  According to the White House press release both the leaders discussed the regional security environment and the growing bilateral defence relationship between their two countries, including the upcoming visit by the United States aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson to Da Nang in March.  The two leaders also discussed trade issues and pledged to deepen and expand bilateral trade that is fair and reciprocal.

The two countries, wartime rivals five decades ago, signed the U.S.-Vietnam Comprehensive Partnership in 2013, which covers trade, development and maritime security but without calling for specific action.

Vietnam is eagerly looking for a chance to re-establish the prized trade and security ties with the U.S while checking the influence of its old arch-rival China following a new overture from the Trump administration.