The US Secretary of Defencevisited Vietnam Naval High Command and High Command of Region 1 underthe Vietnam Coast Guard in the northern city of Hai Phong on May 31.
Deputy Defence Minister Admiral Nguyen Van Hien had ameeting with the US defence delegation. The two sides said thebilateral defence cooperation has been based on respect for Vietnam’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. Thecooperation has also not affected Vietnam’s relationships with othercountries, added participants.
While receiving USguests, Major General Nguyen Quang Dam, Vietnam Coast Guard’s commanderaffirmed Vietnam’s Coast Guard’s willingness to maintain maritimesafety and security enhancement in accordance with international law.
On June 1st, Vietnamese Defence Minister Phung Quang Thanh will holdtalks with the US counterpart Ashton Carter and will sign the jointvision statement.-VNA