Vietnamese President wants stronger defense and economic ties with the US

(Patria) - Newly elected Vietnamese President To Lam has called for strengthening ties with the United States, the government announced, Reuters reports.

Vietnam seeks to strengthen relations with Washington as it tries to navigate growing global disputes and maintain economic growth.

At a meeting with U.S. Ambassador to Hanoi Marc Knapper on Tuesday, Lam said the two countries should gradually expand cooperation in defense and security, according to a government statement.

Lam, who was elected president three weeks ago, said Vietnam and the U.S. should also strengthen economic ties and promote high-level visits.

Vietnam's exports to the U.S. in the first five months of this year rose 22 percent from a year earlier to $44.4 billion, accounting for 28 percent of its total exports in the period, according to government customs data.

On Tuesday, at a meeting with Chinese Ambassador Xiong Bo in Hanoi, Lam said it is important that maritime disputes in the South China Sea between the two countries are managed well and that each country's interests are respected.

Vietnam and China have a long-standing dispute in the South China Sea. Vietnam's foreign ministry last week said it was deeply concerned about the presence of a Chinese survey ship in Vietnam's exclusive economic zone.

Lam and other Vietnamese leaders are expected to receive Russian President Vladimir Putin in Hanoi next week, but the visit has not yet been officially announced.