Vietnamese Ambassador to the U.S. Pham Quang Vinh has had a meeting with U.S. officials to compare notes on bilateral relations, where the Vietnamese diplomat won plaudits from U.S. officials for his contributions to the development of the two countries’ ties.

Ambassador Pham Quang Vinh met with Congressman Mac Thornberry, Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee to discuss the exchange of congressional delegations in the coming time.

Vietnamese Ambassador to the U.S. Pham Quang Vinh (R) and Congressman Mac Thornberry. (Photo: VOV)

Thornberry spoke glowingly of the strong development of the U.S.-Vietnam comprehensive partnership in recent years, especially in their security and defence cooperation.

He also expressed fond memories of his visit to Vietnam in May, 1974, saying that he attaches great importance to exchanging congressional delegations and further promoting the comprehensive partnership between the two countries. Thornberry congratulated and extolled Ambassador Pham Quang Vinh's contributions to the development of bilateral relations over the past three years.

Vinh affirmed Vietnam’s high regard for their valuable relationship with the U.S., including parliamentary cooperation and the connections between both nations’ localities, especially the State of Texas which the congressman represents.

The Vietnamese diplomat and the U.S. congressman also discussed regional and international issues of shared concern, such as promoting cooperation with ASEAN and the regional group’s contributions to ensuring peace, security, prosperity, safety and freedom of navigation in the region.

At their earlier meeting, Ambassador Pham Quang Vinh and former U.S. Secretary of Defence Chuck Hagel discussed the development of the two countries’ relationship and spoke of their great appreciation for the strengthened comprehensive partnership framework, which has created strong impetus for the two countries to step up cooperation across multiple fields, including security and defence, the settlement of the consequences of war, and other issues of common concern.

Chuck Hagel, a veteran of the Vietnam war, former U.S. Senator, and former Secretary of Defense, has made positive contributions to U.S.-Vietnam relations over the years./.

VNF/VNA