Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung welcomed former US President Bill Clinton in Hanoi on July 18 during the latter’s trip to five Asian-Pacific countries, including Vietnam, to promote the operation of HIV/AIDS prevention –targeted Clinton Foundation.

Extolling the foundation’s practical and charitable activities in Vietnam , PM Dung said the Vietnamese Government always supports and facilitates its operation in a joint effort to stop the deadly virus and other communicable diseases.

He thanked and praised the former US leader for his great support in normalising the relations between the two countries, confirming Vietnam ’s wish to propel ties with the US forward, truly being comprehensive partners.

For his part, Bill Clinton said he and his spouse always support the US Government in enhancing its relations with Vietnam .

He added that the Clinton Foundation will give maximum assistance for Vietnam to combat HIV/AIDS, malaria, and other infections. It is also willing to work with local agencies and businesses to produce HIV/AIDS medicines in Vietnam .

Regarding China ’s recent illegal acts that have threatened peace, stability, security and safety of navigation and aviation in the region and the East Sea , the former President said he and his wife have backed the settlement of the disputes through peaceful means and in line with international law.

He also reiterated the US ’s stance, especially through its statements and most recently the US Senate’s Resolution which calls on China to withdraw the oil rig from Vietnam ’s waters, saying the views ensures that countries’ national sovereignty must be respected and international law must be enforced.

Bill Clinton accompanied his spouse Hillary Clinton during the first ever visit of a US President to Vietnam in 2000.

The Clinton Foundation has mobilised over 40 million USD for Vietnam since 2006.-VNA