American political circles hold an optimistic view of the future of the multi-faceted relationship between Vietnam and the United States following Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong’s historic visit to the US, which concluded on July 10.

Michael Michalak, former US Ambassador to Vietnam, said that General Secretary Trong’s visit had historic significance, indicating the trust in and depth of the relationship between the two countries.

The visit was evidence of the two countries’ mutual respect for their political systems, Michalak said. It was a step forwards in implementing the statements made by leaders within the framework of their strategic partnership.

The former ambassador believed the visit would elevate the US-Vietnam relationship to a new level with more trust and respect.

Michalak, who was Ambassador to Vietnam from 2007-2011, underlined that the US-Vietnam relationship has made substantial progress in the past 20 years.

Trust has grown in many of the fields the two countries cooperate in, he said, citing efforts for peace and stability in the region and the world.

Anthony Nelson, who manages Vietnamese affairs at the US - ASEAN Business Council, also shared Michalak’s view on General Secretary Trong’s historic visit.

He said economic ties between the two countries were one of the most successful aspects.

Vietnam’s economy has increasingly integrated globally, opening up a number of cooperation opportunities for Vietnam and its partners, he added.

Since the normalisation of US-Vietnam relations in 1995, trade value has increased from 450 million USD to 36 billion USD and is expected to continue to rise as their economies continue expanding.

The US is Vietnam’s leading export market and Vietnam is a potential market for American hi-tech products.-VNA