Minister of Public Security General Tran Dai Quang met senior US security and diplomatic officials in Washington D.C on March 18, who hailed his visit as a promising start of celebrations for the 20 th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties.

Meeting Deputy National Security Advisor Avril Haines, Deputy Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Under Secretary of Defence for Intelligence Michael Vickers, Quang asked for continued facilitation of anti-crime cooperation between US law enforcement agencies and the Vietnamese Ministry of Public Security, effectively deepening the comprehensive partnership established in July 2013.

He also requested pragmatic assistance in dealing with the aftermath of Agent Orange/dioxin, bomb and mine clearance, and issues related to the Vietnamese military personnel listed as missing in action during the war.

The US officials concurred with Minister Quang’s proposal, saying that anti-crime coordination will also involve cyber security, additional bilateral security dialogues, and a comprehensive fight against traditional and non-traditional security threats.

The hosts thanked Vietnam for its continued search for the remains of missing-in-action soldiers and for drafting agreements on judicial assistance, criminal extradition, and prisoner transfers.

They pledged to step up negotiations towards the signing of these agreements during the upcoming visits by senior leaders.

Taking note of the Vietnamese government’s efforts in protecting human rights, they shared the view that the 2013 Constitution is a progressive legislation in ensuring human and citizens’ rights.

Both sides also candidly discussed contentious issues about awareness of and approaches to human rights and agreed to continue dialogues to raise mutual understanding and trust.

They expressed confidence that the Vietnam-US relationship is moving forward for peace, stability, and development in the region and beyond.-VNA