On behalf of the United States of America, I extend my congratulations to the people of Vietnam on the occasion of Vietnam's National Day.
The COVID-19 pandemic has taken a heavy toll around the world, including within our two great countries. We have supported each other during these difficult times, as well as through growing health cooperation, exchanges of medical supplies and equipment, and most recently, with U.S. vaccine donations. The opening of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Regional Office for Southeast Asia in Hanoi provides a new platform to strengthen health security cooperation with Vietnam and the entire Indo-Pacific region.
The U.S.-Vietnam relationship progressed to new heights in 2021 thanks to our joint efforts to overcome the past and look towards a brighter future for our people. President Nguyen Xuan Phuc's speech at the Leaders' Climate Summit highlighted our two countries' potential to collaborate in combating the climate crisis. The visits of Vice President Kamala Harris and Secretary of Defense Austin to Vietnam reinforced the strength of the U.S.-Vietnam Comprehensive Partnership and our commitment to a strong, independent, and prosperous Vietnam. I send my best wishes to the government and people of Vietnam on your National Day and look forward to working closely with you to build back better from this pandemic.
