(VOVworld) – A recent visit to Vietnam by US President Barack Obama has drawn great attention domestically and internationally, reflecting the increasing importance of Vietnam-US ties.

President Barack Obama at Noi Bai International Airport (Photo: VNA)

The Washington Post considered Obama’s Vietnam visit a step forward in bilateral relations, particularly in economics and security. It said that through this visit, Obama aims to lift Vietnam-US relations to new heights. The visit demonstrated the US’s new foreign policy, especially the removal of a ban on lethal weapons sales to Vietnam.

AP also saw the lifting of the arms embargo as a joint effort to get closer and strengthen diplomatic ties.

According to the Wall Street Journal, Obama’s 3-day visit to Vietnam showed the US’s interest in deepening ties with Vietnam. It represented a significant shift in American foreign policy towards Asia and provided opportunities to strengthen security and economic relations with Vietnam, which is securing a greater role in the region.

The IB Times reported that the visit - which happened just months after Vietnam, the US, and 10 other countries signed the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) agreement - has proved the US’s greater appreciation of Vietnam’s political and economic status in the region.