American Diplomat Travels to Vietnam Following Putin Meeting
Russian leader is warmly welcomed in Vietnam and US officials are preparing to follow up.
Washington is sending its top diplomat for East Asia, Daniel Kritenbrink, to Vietnam to emphasize its commitment to collaborating with Hanoi for a “free and open” Indo-Pacific region.
The U.S. State Department stated that Mr. Kritenbrink’s visit aims to reaffirm “U.S. support for a strong, independent, and prosperous Vietnam.”
The announcement came shortly after Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to Hanoi, where he was warmly received by his Vietnamese counterpart.
The State Department spokesman, Matthew Miller, confirmed that Mr. Kritenbrink, U.S. assistant secretary of state for East Asian and Pacific affairs, would be traveling to Hanoi on June 21.
According to foreign policy experts, the United States relies on its strong relationship with Vietnam to counter Chinese influence in the Indo-Pacific region.
Last year, Washington upgraded its relations with Hanoi, making the United States Vietnam’s top export market.
White House national security spokesman John Kirby mentioned on June 20 that the United States had elevated its relationship with Vietnam to a historic level, upgrading it to a comprehensive strategic partnership.
He added, “We’re focused on deepening, broadening, and enhancing it for the mutual benefit of both parties and the region.”
