US President Donald Trump delivers a speech at APEC CEO Summit 2017 in Da Nang, Vietnam

He said the US has long established friendship and partnership with regional countries recalling the first American ship docking in Asia for trade back in 1784.  Trump said: “Today, we are no longer enemies; we are friends.  And this port city is bustling with ships from around the world.  Engineering marvels, like the Dragon Bridge, welcome the millions who come to visit Da Nang’s stunning beaches, shining lights, and ancient charms.”

He expressed his impression with Vietnam’s economic achievements: “Today, an opening Vietnamese economy is one of the fastest-growing economies on Earth.  It has already increased more than 30 times over, and the Vietnamese students rank among the best students in the world.  And that is very impressive.”

President Trump cited successful economic development and prosperity in Indonesia, Singapore, South Korea, Japan, and India. Regarding the US’s new policy in the Indo-Pacific, Trump said: “Today, I am here to offer a renewed partnership with America to work together to strengthen the bonds of friendship and commerce between all of the nations of the Indo-Pacific, and together, to promote our prosperity and security. At the core of this partnership, we seek robust trade relationships rooted in the principles of fairness and reciprocity. “

Concluding his speech, President Trump said the US has been and will continue to be a friend, partner, and ally of APEC member countries in the future.