US envoy shadows Putin to Vietnam
Date
6/26/2024 8:49:14 AM
(MENAFN) In the aftermath of Russian President Vladimir Putin's recent state visit to Vietnam, a senior United States envoy, Daniel Kritenbrink, has embarked on diplomatic discussions in the Southeast Asian nation. Addressing reporters in Hanoi, Kritenbrink clarified that his trip, occurring shortly after Putin's delegation departed, was unrelated to the Russian president's visit. He emphasized that trust between the United States and Vietnam is currently at unprecedented levels.
The visit by Kritenbrink follows a statement from the US Embassy in Hanoi, which previously criticized Vietnam for hosting talks with Putin amid ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. However, during his briefing with Vietnamese Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son, Kritenbrink underscored the primary objective of supporting and strengthening bilateral relations between the United States and Vietnam. He affirmed Vietnam's sovereignty in determining its strategic interests and policies.
Meanwhile, Putin's visit to Vietnam saw him engage in discussions with Vietnamese leaders, including President To Lam and Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh. The meetings resulted in the signing of 11 agreements aimed at bolstering their comprehensive strategic partnership, focusing on cooperation in areas such as nuclear technology, offshore oil exploration, and joint efforts in combating epidemics. Putin expressed gratitude for Vietnam's balanced stance on the Ukraine crisis, which has been a focal point of global diplomatic efforts.
Against the backdrop of ongoing United States efforts, under President Joe Biden's administration, to impose sanctions and diplomatically isolate Russia since the onset of the Ukraine conflict in 2022, Kritenbrink's visit signals ongoing United States engagement in Southeast Asia amidst evolving geopolitical dynamics. As both Russia and the United States vie for influence in the region, the implications of these diplomatic maneuvers continue to shape international relations and regional stability.
MENAFN26062024000045015687ID1108375757
Legal Disclaimer:
MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.