Commander of the Vietnam People’s Navy Vice Admiral Tran Thanh Nghiem (R) shakes hands with Acting U.S. Secretary of the Navy Hung Cao during their meeting in Hai Phong City, northern Vietnam, June 23, 2026. Photo: Tuoi Tre
The meeting took place after a reception hosted by Vice Admiral Nghiem for the U.S. Navy delegation led by Acting Secretary Cao.
During the talks, the Vietnamese naval commander welcomed the delegation’s visit to Vietnam and congratulated Cao on his appointment as Acting U.S. Secretary of the Navy.
Vice Admiral Nghiem reviewed the development of Vietnam–U.S. relations, with particular emphasis on practical cooperation between the two navies in recent years.
He expressed appreciation for support from the U.S. Department of Defense and the U.S. Navy, including the provision of medical equipment for the Vietnam People’s Navy hospital ship Khanh Hoa-01.
He also welcomed opportunities offered by the U.S. Navy for Vietnamese naval officers to participate in multilateral conferences, workshops, exercises, training courses, and educational programs in the U.S. and countries across the region.
Commander of the Vietnam People’s Navy Vice Admiral Tran Thanh Nghiem (L) and Acting U.S. Secretary of the Navy Hung Cao review the honor guard of the Vietnam People’s Navy during the latter’s visit to Hai Phong City, northern Vietnam, June 23, 2026. Photo: Tuoi Tre
Vice Admiral Nghiem proposed that both sides continue expanding cooperation in delegation exchanges, training, and professional education.
He said the Vietnam People’s Navy stands ready to welcome U.S. Navy vessels for port visits in accordance with Vietnamese government and Ministry of National Defense regulations and to organize professional exchanges and joint activities during such visits.
For his part, Acting Secretary Cao thanked the Vietnam People’s Navy for the warm reception and expressed strong support for efforts to further enhance friendly and effective cooperation between the two navies.
Earlier during his stay in Vietnam, he paid courtesy calls on Party General Secretary and State President To Lam and Minister of National Defense General Phan Van Giang, and attended several activities coordinated by the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
