PM Phuc said Vietnam wants to promote bilateral relations to a new height on the basis of mutual respect for independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity and political institutions.
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PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc (R) and US Vice President Mike Pence. Photo from the US Embassy in Hanoi |
He applauded the US side's effective cooperation in dealing with war consequences in Vietnam, including the dioxin detoxification project at Bien Hoa airport.
The PM hailed the recent outcomes of the bilateral cooperation between Vietnam and the US as well as the two sides' coordination at regional and international forums. He also spoke highly of the US’s consistent support for the central role of ASEAN at regional mechanisms, as well as its cooperation initiatives contributing to peace and stability in the region.
Vietnam appreciates the US’s support for ASEAN’s stance on the East Sea issue and negotiations on a Code of Conduct (COC) in the East Sea (South China Sea) on the basis of respect for international law, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), he said.
PM Phuc called upon the US to support Vietnam’s bid to run for a non-permanent seat in the UN Security Council for the 2020-2021 tenure, and join hands in promoting the ASEAN-US strategic partnership when Vietnam takes the ASEAN Chairmanship in 2020.
For his part, Vice President Pence stressed that the US supports a strong, independent and prosperous Vietnam, and stands ready to cooperate with the country in matters of mutual concern.
He agreed with PM Phuc’s proposals to increase the exchange of high-level delegations in the time to come, especially on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties, and work together to settle each other’s concern in trade and investment collaboration.
The Vice President used the occasion to thank the Vietnamese Government and people for their assistance to the US in searching and repatriating remains of US servicemen missing in action during the war in Vietnam.
He also highlighted common interests in maintaining peace, stability, security, safety and freedom of navigation and aviation, and respecting international law in the Indian and Pacific Oceans.
The Vice President lauded Vietnam’s observance of the United Nations Security Council’s resolutions regarding the Korean Peninsula and urged the country to continue backing dialogues between the US and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK).
Reported by Song Anh