Vietnam, US upbeat about bilateral ties

PM Dung spoke highly of the outcome of talks between Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh and State Secretary John Kerry and described the US diplomat’s trip as a contribution to fostering bilateral relations.

Dung affirmed Vietnam’s willingness to closely work with the US in the Trans-Pacific Partnership Process (TPP) negotiation process, suggesting that there should be a flexibility in line with the development level of each nation and the TPP leaders’ vision of moving towards a mutually beneficial and fair agreement for all members.

He also asked the US to consider Vietnam’s practical conditions especially their approach to the garment and footwear market aiming to reach an agreement acceptable for both sides.

Regarding human rights, the Vietnamese leader said over the past years, Vietnam and the US have shared a mechanism of dialogue and settlement based on the cooperative and constructive spirit and mutual understanding.

Dung hailed the US’ efforts to support Vietnam in coping with climate change while asking it to help countries with environmental protection, response to climate change and management of the Mekong River resource for the goal of sustainable growth and long-term stability in the region.

He suggested the US remove trade barriers and soon recognize Vietnam’s market economy status.

On the East Sea issue, the Vietnamese government leader praised the US for supporting ASEAN and Vietnam’s stance on peaceful settlement of East Sea disputes in accordance with international law including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC) toward formulating a Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC).

John Kerry said the successful TPP negotiations will be a landmark in boosting Vietnam-US economic, trade and investment relations.

The US diplomat voiced his nation’s keen interest in maritime safety and security in the East Sea, noting that all disputes should be settled by peaceful means in line with international legislation.

He also pledged his tireless efforts to help Vietnam deal with the consequence of war and respond to climate change.

Earlier on the same day, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh held talks with US State Secretary John Kerry about measures to implement the bilateral comprehensive strategic partnership across variety of fields in the time ahead.

Both FMs expressed their delight at progress made on bilateral relations over the past time such as high-level delegation exchange, the signing of an agreement on cooperation in using nuclear energy for peaceful purposes (the so-called 123 Agreement), TPP negotiations and the US’ decision to remove anti-dumping and anti-subsidy duties on frozen shrimp imported from Vietnam.

Deputy PM Minh proposed the US side continue granting Vietnam flexibility in the negotiations and technical assistance while helping the country increase necessary capacities in implementing the agreement.

He called on the US Government to open its doors to Vietnamese farm produce and limit the number of anti-dumping and anti-subsidy lawsuits against Vietnam’s exports.

He spoke highly of the two sides’ signing of a memorandum of understanding on bilateral cooperation to surmount the consequences of unexploded ordnance (UXO) left over from the war in Vietnam as well as the US’s environmental re-evaluation at Bien Hoa airport for the detoxification at the Agent Orange hotspot.

Kerry said his country attaches importance to developing relations with Vietnam in its overall Asian Pacific policy, adding that the country is keen to boost cooperation with Vietnam in all field spanning from policy- diplomacy, economics- trade, defence- security to health, education, adaptation to climate change and settlement of the consequence of war.

The State Secretary spoke highly of progress in the TPP negotiations and confirmed that the US will soon accomplish internal procedures to officially sign the 123 Agreement.

He informed the Vietnamese side that the US will increase assistance to Vietnam in dealing with Agent Orange/dioxin issues and consequences of unexploded bombs and mines left over from the war, and reinforcing Mekong River water resource security.

The two diplomats also examined ways to increase cooperation at regional and international forums and voiced support for solidarity and ASEAN’s central role in promoting regional cooperation mechanisms and shaping an Asian Pacific architecture.

They pledged their continuous contributions to maintaining peace, stability and cooperation and ensuring maritime safety, security and freedom in the East Sea on the basis of respect for international law.

Party leader receives US State Secretary

Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong has expressed his delight at Vietnam-US all-round cooperation after the two countries established a comprehensive partnership early this year.

At a December 16 reception for US Secretary of State John Kerry in Hanoi, Trong  suggested the US enhance cooperation with Vietnam in existing frameworks as well as various fields ranging from economics, trade and investment to science and technology, education and training, healthcare, environmental protection and response to climate change.

He asked the US to remove trade barriers and intensify investment in Vietnam, hoping that the US side will continue coordinating with Vietnam to deal with issues related to Agent Orange/Dioxin, bomb and mine clearance and the search for Vietnamese soldiers who went missing during the war.

He also spoke highly of Kerry’s active role in the process of normalizing relations between Vietnam and the US during the past years, as well as strengthening friendship, cooperation and mutual understanding.

In reply, Kerry hailed Vietnam’s rising status and role in the region and the world while affirming the US Government’s desire to further strengthen all-around cooperation with Vietnam and implement the bilateral comprehensive partnership.

He said he hopes the two sides will do their utmost to boost cooperation in economics, trade, education and training, and science and technology.

VNA/VOV