US announces information on Obama’s official visit to Vietnam

Washington DC (VNA) – The US Department of State released information on President Barack Obama’s official visit to Vietnam at a press conference on May 18.

Daniel Kritenbrink, Senior Director for Asian Affairs under the National Security Council, announced Obama’s official schedule, including meetings with Vietnamese leaders.

Their discussions will focus on measures to advance the US-Vietnam comprehensive partnership across a wide range of areas such as trade, people-to-people, security, human rights, and global and regional issues of mutual concerns, he noted.

“Through his official meetings and public engagements, the President will highlight the depth and breadth of our partnership and the remarkable progress that our two countries have made in recent years,” said Kritenbrink.

He said the Trans-Pacific Partnership will further stimulate both sides’ economic cooperation.

Vietnam and the US have a shared commitment to improving security in the Asia-Pacific region in accordance with international law, he said, adding that the US side hopes for further collaboration in numerous areas from humanitarian assistance and disaster relief to peacekeeping and maritime security.

“All these areas of cooperation and the progress we have made over the past 20 years have set a strong foundation for what we can achieve in the next 20 years and beyond,” he stated.

At the event, Assistant Secretary Daniel Russel from the Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs highlighted the significance of Obama’s first visit to Vietnam.

He said Vietnam is a partner in the Trans-Pacific Partnership, who upholds the international law in maritime space and seeks peaceful measures to resolve tensions and disputes in the East Sea.

“Vietnam is a partner in sustaining the important Mekong River as a source of livelihood to millions of people and multiple nations that line its banks,” he added.-VNA