Top diplomats of Vietnam and the US have agreed to further economic ties to create an impetus for the development of relations between the two nations, both bilaterally and multilaterally.

Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Gia Khiem and US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton reached consensus on the issue during their talks in Hanoi on July 22.

Khiem applauded Clinton ’s visit to Vietnam and her attendance at ASEAN-related meetings, reflecting the US ’s desire to strengthen relations with the bloc in general and Vietnam in particular.

Both ministers noted with pleasure that the bilateral relationship has reaped significant achievements over the past 15 years on the basis of mutual respect, equality and reciprocal benefit, bringing great benefits to the two countries’ people and contributing to peace, security, stability and development in the Asia-Pacific.

They agreed to build a model partnership in response to climate change and rising sea levels.

Khiem requested the US government not apply trade barriers or “anti-dumping” and “anti-subsidy” duties on Vietnamese exports. He also called on the US to recognise Vietnam ’s market economy and grant the Generalised System of Preferences (GSP) status to the country.

The official urged the US to increase its funding to detoxify the environment and support Agent Orange/dioxin victims in Vietnam .

Khiem and Clinton also discussed a number of regional and international issues of mutual concern.

Following the talks, the two ministers attended a ceremony celebrating the 15 th anniversary of normalisation of diplomatic ties between Vietnam and the US .

The event was co-hosted by the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organisations (VUFO) and the American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham).

Later in the day, Vietnamese Minister of Justice Ha Hung Cuong and US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton signed an inter-governmental framework agreement on cooperation in HIV/AIDS prevention and control./.