Foreign Ministry Spokesman Le Hai Binh has affirmed that Vietnam ’s consistent policy is to respect the basic rights of its citizens.

The spokesman made the affirmation at a regular meeting in Hanoi on July 10, responding to information that US legislators have criticised the human rights issue in Vietnam .

“Vietnam’s important achievements in the field of human rights have been internationally recognised through its election to the UN Human Rights Council for the 2014-2016 term,” he said.

Over the past time, in a frank and constructive spirit and mutual respect, Vietnam and the US have organised many meetings, exchanges and dialogues to strengthen mutual understanding and narrow differences in the field.

US government officials and congressmen, during their visits to Vietnam , have witnessed achievements the country has recorded, including those in human rights, he added.

According to Binh, the US legislators’ criticism was based on erroneous and subjective information that failed to reflect correctly the enforcement of human rights in Vietnam .

“These opinions do not benefit the promotion of understanding and bilateral efforts fostering the two countries’ relations for their interests,” he confirmed.-VNA