US Pledges to Assist Vietnam Improve Maritime Capacity

An overview of the 12th Vietnam-US Political, Security and Defence Dialogue. Photo: VGP

The 12th Vietnam-US Political, Security and Defence Dialogue was held in Washington D.C on March 30 under the co-chair of Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Ha Kim Ngoc and US Assistant Secretary of State for Political-Military Affairs Jessica Lewis, VNA reported Saturday.

At the event, the two sides expressed their delight at the extensive and practical development of the two countries’ relations in the bilateral, regional and international aspects based on the principle of respecting independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity and political institutions of each other.

Ngoc affirmed that Vietnam always considers the US as one of its most important partners, while Lewis reaffirmed that the US consistently supports a strong, independent and prosperous Vietnam.

The two sides emphasised the importance of bilateral meetings, consultations and delegation exchanges for the process of building trust and mutual understanding, and promoting cooperation and intertwined interests between Vietnam and the US. They also affirmed that they will maintain frank, constructive and regular dialogues on controversial issues.

The officials recognised the progress of bilateral cooperation in the fields of defence and security, law enforcement and settlement of post-war consequences; while agreeing to continue developing bilateral defence ties at a stable pace, in line with the interests, conditions and policies of each country, and to expand cooperation in cyber-security, fighting trans-national crimes, and participation in UN peace-keeping missions.

The two sides shared the determination to maintain cooperation in clearing mines and explosives, decontaminating dioxin, supporting war-affected people in Vietnam, and searching the two countries’ soldiers missing in the war.

Representatives of the US side reaffirmed their commitments to continue assisting Vietnam in improving its maritime capacity, law enforcement and identification of remains of Vietnamese soldiers through training and equipment transfer.

The two sides discussed several international and regional issues of mutual concern, and stressed the importance of ensuring the rule of law, freedom and safety of navigation and aviation, and peaceful settlement of disputes on the basis of international law, without the threat or use of force.

The US side affirmed its backing for ASEAN's consensus and central role in the regional security architecture.

The two sides agreed on the need to implement creative and practical measures to promote the Mekong-US Partnership in the coming time.

Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Ha Kim Ngoc (R) and US Assistant Secretary of State for Political-Military Affairs Jessica Lewis. Photo: VNA

On the sidelines of the dialogue, Ngoc had discussions with leaders of the US Department of State, Department of Defence, and National Security Council, and some parliamentarians and advisers of the Congress, and representatives of US enterprises.

These meetings contributed to the implementation of the outcomes of the high-level phone talks on March 29 between Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong and US President Joe Biden, and promotion of the bilateral agenda this year as the two countries are celebrating the 10th founding anniversary of the Vietnam - US Comprehensive Partnership (2013-2023).

During the high-level phone talks with the US President, Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong suggested both sides continue expanding and turning economic, scientific, and technological cooperation into a focus and driving force for their relations.

They should realize agreements on national defense and security cooperation; attach importance to promoting harmonious and sustainable trade; cooperate in ensuring supply chains, developing infrastructure and emerging areas such as logistics, digital economy, green transformation, and health care.

At the same time, both sides need to strengthen collaboration in addressing the war consequences, keeping the UN peace, exchanging information, and preventing crime, among others.

The Vietnamese leader proposed the US continue creating favorable conditions to increase the number of Vietnamese students in the country and continue to support Vietnam's efforts.

For his part, President Biden discussed some international issues such as climate change response, post-pandemic socio-economic recovery, and democratic and human rights cooperation. The President agreed with the cooperation directions raised by Party General Secretary Trong, such as promoting cooperation in trade, clean energy and energy transition.

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