Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh had talks on August 7 in Hanoi with visiting US Secretary of State John Kerry pledging to push forward with projects to decontaminate dioxin at Da Nang and Bien Hoa Airports.

The US official spoke highly of Vietnam ’s determination and efforts during negotiations for the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), while affirming that the US will urge involved parties to finalise the process.

He affirmed his support for further opening of market for Vietnamese products, including farm produce.

Kerry also said the US is willing to give Vietnam further assistance in coping with climate change.

Deputy PM Minh expressed delight at the growth of the Vietnam-US relationship in various fields over the past two years after the two countries set up their comprehensive partnership.

He held that Vietnam and the US have common benefit in boosting bilateral cooperation in all fields, as well as shared interests and responsibilities in preserving peace, stability and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region.

The Deputy PM suggested that the two sides maintain meetings and exchanges of delegations, especially at high level. He urged the US to be flexible and take into account Vietnam’s development level in addressing remaining issues in bilateral TPP talks in order to early conclude bilateral negotiation.

Minh also asked the US side to speed up detoxification projects in Bien Hoa after finishing the work in Da Nang airport, while increasing support to Vietnam in climate change response.

In addition, he called on the US to completely remove the arms embargo on Vietnam for stronger mutual trust.

During the talks, both sides also discussed regional matters of shared concern, including outcomes of recent ASEAN meetings in Malaysia.

Kerry said he supports ASEAN’s central role, pledging that the US will continue its collaboration for a stronger ASEAN solidarity.

Visiting US Secretary of State John Kerry at a conference during his August 2015 visit to Vietnam. Photo: VNA.

On the East Sea issue, both sides agreed that all relevant parties should strictly implement the Declaration on Conducts of Parties in the East Sea and build a Code of Conduct in the East Sea, while settling disputes with peaceful measures through diplomatic talks in conformity with international law, including the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.

The same day, Deputy PM Vu Duc Dam also hosted a reception for the US Secretary of State, during which he noted that there is room and great opportunity for Vietnam and the US to cooperate, especially in education and training, and science and technology.

He held that affiliation among universities of both sides over the past years is a good experience.

The US Secretary of State affirmed that education-training and science-technology are among important cooperation areas between Vietnam and the US .

The success of Fulbright University in Vietnam is expected to contribute to strengthening bilateral education ties and become a bright spot in the Vietnam-US relations, he said.

At the same time, Kerry also stated that his country will continue helping Vietnam in preventing and eradicating HIV/AIDS as well as in science and technology projects./.

VNF/VNA