Vietnam continues attaching importance to its relations with the US , considering it a leading strategic partner, said State President Truong Tan Sang.

President Sang made the statement while receiving Senator Jim Webb, Chairman of the Subcommittee on East Asia and Pacific Affairs of the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee, in Hanoi on August 24.

The State leader affirmed Vietnam ’s foreign policy of openness, diversification and multilateralisation of relations, and proactive international integration.

He said he was pleased with fine developments in the two countries’ cooperation, not only in bilateral issues on economics, trade, education, health, science and technology, humanity, security and defence but also at regional and international forums.

In the future, Vietnam will focus on developing its economy and creating conditions for the country’s rapid and sustainable development, Sang said, suggesting Senator Jim Webb further boost the bilateral ties and continue support for issues on the generalised system of preferences and market economy-related regulations for Vietnam.

He asked the US side to strengthen cooperation in addressing the aftermath of war, especially the AO issue, and in coping with climate change and sea level rise.

On the occasion, President Sang thanked Senator Jim Webb for his active contributions to the enhancement of the bilateral ties, as well as issues relating to peace, cooperation and development in the region, including the East Sea issue and the sustainable use of Mekong River water.

For his part, the US senator said he was pleased to visit Vietnam for the second time this year and wished to further boost the relationship between the two countries.

He said that before arriving in Vietnam , he met with the leaders of ASEAN, Thailand , Singapore and Indonesia , who spoke highly of Vietnam ’s active contributions to regional and international issues.

He affirmed that the US parliament always paid attention to and strongly supported multilateral and peaceful solutions for the East Sea issue and cooperation in the sustainable use of the Mekong River water with a view to maintaining regional stability and development.

That was the reason why the US and ASEAN countries needed a closer relationship in economics, trade, culture and security, he said.

On the same day, Senator Jim Webb was received by Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc./.