Vietnam and the US have held discussions on issues of common concern in an open, frank and in-depth manner during their recent human rights dialogue in Washington.
 
Foreign Ministry Spokesman Luong Thanh Nghi made this statement in Hanoi on Nov. 25 while answering reporters’ questions on the results of the 16 th Vietnam-US Human Rights Dialogue, which took place on Nov. 9-10.

“The two sides exchanged views on such issues as religious freedom, freedom of speech, the building of a state of law, labour rights, racial discrimination, the implementation of international commitments on human rights, and cooperation possibilities in these fields,” he said.

According to the spokesperson, the Vietnamese side spoke about its achievements in ensuring human rights and people’s freedom to religious beliefs, boosting socio-economic development, expanding democracy, and speeding up the building of a state of law as well as the strong and diverse development and active role of the press in all aspects of social life.

The Vietnamese side also held frank discussions to clarify the truth on incorrect information that had not reflected the real situation in Vietnam , he added.

“We think that such a useful dialogue should be carried out in the spirit of frankness, constructiveness and mutual respect to strengthen understanding and narrow gaps, thus further boosting the relationship between the two countries for the interests of the two peoples,” he said./.