Next month, Biden plans to travel to Hanoi with the aim of enhancing the relationship between the United States and Vietnam.

The White House announced on Monday that President Joe Biden will be traveling to Vietnam next month for a meeting with General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong and other leaders of Vietnam.

The president plans to visit Hanoi on September 10th, adding a one-day trip to the Vietnamese capital following their attendance at the annual Group of 20 leaders’ summit in India.

In a statement, Karine Jean-Pierre, the White House press secretary, stated that the leaders will examine possibilities to enhance the development of a Vietnamese economy that is centered around technology and driven by innovation. They will also aim to expand educational exchanges and workforce development programs to strengthen connections between people. Additionally, they will work together to address climate change and strive for increased peace, prosperity, and stability in the region.

The White House also announced on Monday that Biden will stop in Alaska on his way home from Vietnam to mark the the 22nd anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks on the United States. He will take part in a memorial ceremony at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage with members of the military, first responders and their families, Jean-Pierre said.

The announcement about Vietnam comes after weeks of Biden hinting at a possible visit. He said at a July 29 campaign reception in Freeport, Maine, that Vietnam’s leader wanted to meet him. He then told donors at a New Mexico reception earlier this month that he would “be going to Vietnam shortly because Vietnam wants to change our relationship and become a partner.”

“I received a phone call from the leader of Vietnam who expressed a strong desire to meet me during my attendance at the G20,” Biden shared during the Freeport reception. “He aims to establish a significant partnership with us, similar to the ones with Russia and China. What are your thoughts on this? I assure you, I am not joking.”

Vietnam is governed by a sole political party, the Communist Party of Vietnam, establishing an authoritarian regime. In the past, concerns have been raised by human rights organizations regarding restrictions on freedom of expression, association, and peaceful assembly in Vietnam, as well as the apprehension of numerous government critics.

Jean-Pierre assured reporters that when it comes to Vietnam’s rights record, Biden consistently addresses human rights with all leaders without hesitation.

Throughout his tenure in office, Biden has prioritized enhancing and broadening connections in southeast Asia due to increasing American apprehension regarding China’s expanding military and economic sway in the area.

Biden and his team have consistently expressed their desire to enhance communication between the two governments. They aim to address shared concerns, like global initiatives to combat climate change, and prevent any unnecessary conflicts or misunderstandings.

The United States has been trying for years to improve its relationship with Vietnam, as Vietnam has been cautious in responding to the United States’ requests. Vietnam has historically relied on China and Russia as important trading partners.

China shares a border with Hanoi, Vietnam, which is less than 60 miles (96 kilometers) away. Similar to other neighboring countries, Vietnam has experienced conflicts with Beijing over maritime and territorial matters in the South China Sea. In 1979, a short war occurred between the two nations. However, China holds the position of being Vietnam’s largest trading ally.

Earlier this year, Antony Blinken, the Secretary of State, made a trip to Vietnam shortly after the 50th anniversary of the withdrawal of U.S. troops, which signified the conclusion of America’s direct military engagement in Vietnam. During his visit, he expressed his commitment to enhancing bilateral relations. In July, Janet Yellen, the Treasury Secretary, also journeyed to Hanoi.

Diplomatic relations between the U.S. and Vietnam were only restored in 1995. Since then, bilateral trade has grown, reaching a high of $138 billion in goods trade last year.

Vietnam has emerged as a significant hub for global manufacturers such as LG and Samsung Electronics from South Korea, who supply to Apple, Inc., as well as automobile manufacturers like Honda and Toyota. The country’s prominence has increased as manufacturers seek to relocate production from China due to geopolitical tensions and the need to diversify supply chains, which were stretched during the coronavirus pandemic.

After hosting a significant summit at Camp David with the leaders of Japan and South Korea, Biden announced his upcoming visit to Vietnam this month to solidify a fresh economic and security agreement.

Biden has made efforts to foster closer relations between South Korea and Japan, two countries with a history of rivalry. This is driven by their mutual concerns regarding China’s assertiveness in the Pacific region and North Korea’s nuclear program.