Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung on August 5 hosted a reception for the outgoing US Ambassador David Shear, highly valuing the diplomat’s contributions to the development of the ties between the two countries.

He noted with pleasure that Vietnam and the US are enjoying growing cooperation, with the raising of the bilateral relations to comprehensive partnership, rising two-way trade and sound collaboration in defence-security, education-training and unexploded ordnance clearance.

Vietnam attaches special importance to developing ties with the US in all fields, PM Dung stressed, stating that Vietnam is willing to talk with the US side on all issues, including human rights on the basis of mutual understanding.

He also expressed his wish that the two countries will continue bolstering economic cooperation to match their potential.

The leader held that once reached, the Trans-Pacific Partnership will open up great opportunities for economic, trade and investment cooperation between the two countries.

Vietnam hopes the US will apply a flexible stance on Vietnam during the negotiation process as Vietnam is standing at a low development level, he added.

In reply, Shear thanked Vietnamese authorities for supporting him during his tenure in the country, suggesting that the two sides continue working closely to beef up economic, trade and investment partnership and during TPP negotiations.

On the East Sea issue, the diplomat stated that peace, security and maritime and aviation freedom and safety are of common interest of regional countries, as well as the US and the rest of the world.

Shear also lauded Vietnam’s persistent efforts, together with other ASEAN members, to demand China to abide by international law, the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC), heading to the building of a Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC).-VNA