
Washington, D.C (VNA) – Vietnam treasures its relations with the US and is ready todiscuss measures to deepen the comprehensive partnership on the basis ofrespecting independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity and politicalsystems in each nation, said a senior official.
DeputyPrime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Pham Binh Minh made thestatement while meeting with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, US DeputyNational Security Advisor Charles Kupperman and Assistantto the US President Keith Kellogg in Washington on May 22.
Minh said he rejoiced at the positive development ofVietnam-US bilateral relations, stressing that as both sides hold hugepotential in bilateral, regional and international cooperation, they shouldmaintain sound economy-trade ties and enhance collaboration ineducation-training, science-technology, security-defence and settlement of post-warconsequences, among others.
For his part, the US officials spoke highly of relations withVietnam, and affirmed that they wanted to continue cooperation with theSoutheast Asian country to bring ties to a new height.
The US side suggested both countries work together to enhancethe exchange of high-level delegations, boost economy-trade-investmentrelations, and support the settlement of post-war aftermath, including dioxindetoxification at Vietnam’s Bien Hoa airport.
At the meetings, both sides discussed regional and internationalissues of mutual concern.
Lauding the role of the US in the Lower Mekong Initiative, Minh asked the countryto further coordinate with Vietnam at multilateral and regional mechanisms,especially when Vietnam takes on the ASEAN Chairmanship in 2020.
On the East Sea issue, they reiterated their support for thesettlement of disputes via peaceful measures in line with international laws,including the 1982 United Nations Convention on Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) andbased on full respects of diplomatic and legal progresses as well as effectiveimplementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea(DOC).
The US side pledged to play a positive role in theAsia-Pacific to maintain order and promote peace, stability, cooperation anddevelopment in this important region.
Minh is on an official visit to the US from May 22-23 at the invitation of USSecretary of State Pompeo.-VNA