Vietnam, US step up cooperation in defence
General Thanh
applauded the visit by the US Secretary of Defence, saying that it
will help to boost the stable and friendly relations between the
Vietnamese and US armies and people.
Reviewing the
implementation of the memorandum of understanding on bilateral defence
relations signed in 2011, the two sides agreed that the relations have
developed on the basis of full respect for each other’s independence and
sovereignty, in a spirit of friendship, mutual respect, trust and
understanding.
The long-term partnership and
cooperation in defence and security between Vietnam and the US is
important for both countries and the region in general.
Thanh and Panetta agreed that a more in depth relationship between
the two departments of defence will help to improve international
relations and strengthen the overall bilateral ties between the two
countries as well as promote peace, stability, cooperation and
development in the region.
The two sides have
established regular dialogue mechanisms, and cooperated in maritime
security; search and rescue operations; humanitarian and emergency
aid; exchange of delegations; English language training; military
medicine; provision of information on Vietnamese soldiers missing in
action; search for US servicemen missing in action; clearance of
unexploded ordnance and decontamination of AO/dioxin.
Bilateral defence cooperation between Vietnam and the US does
not harm the security of neighbouring countries, they said.
General Thanh and Secretary Panetta announced the results of their talks to the press following the meeting.
On the same day, US Secretary of Defence Leon Edward Panetta also
paid a courtesy visit on Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung and called at
the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command Office in Hanoi .
Earlier on June 3, Panetta had visited the USNS Byrd, a US Navy cargo
ship which is being refitted at the Vinashin Shipbuilding Company’s
yard in Cam Ranh City, central Khanh Hoa province./.