Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc wrote in the guestbook (Photo: Thong Nhat/VNA)

Prof. Carl Thayer from Australia said that the visit was a success, demonstrating the positive external policy and efforts from Vietnam, opening up a new period in the relationship of the two former enemies.

He noted that President Trump announced trade was the leading issue in the discussion agenda between the two sides. It was also among the top areas mentioned in the joint statement which he asserted that stated equally the interest of both sides.

Radio France International (RFI) commented that the official visit of Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc to the US was successful. Washington and Hanoi have agreed to strengthen their defence and military cooperation, while stressing the need to respect the maritime and aviation freedom in the East Sea and protest all actions to militarise the region.

The ABC News broadcast live President Trump’s reception for Prime Minister Phuc in the White House, saying that it was the first visit by a Southeast Asian leader during the new US administration.

The Bangkok Post reported that the Vietnamese Prime Minister's visit to the US has special significance. The Washington Times wrote that the reception confirmed Vietnam’s bigger role in President Trump’s strategy in Asia. 

Reuters said that President Trump welcomed the new business deals, saying that the visit opened up a bright future for a comprehensive partnership for peace, stability, cooperation and development.