The event was also joined by the U.S. Ambassador and Defense Attaché in Vietnam, and representatives of the functional agencies of the two defense ministries.

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Senior Lieutenant General Hoang Xuan Chien welcomes Dr. Ely Ratner at the defense ministry’s headquarters.

At the dialogue, the two sides discussed global and regional issues of mutual concern, reviewed outcomes of the bilateral defense ties over the past time in accordance with the Memorandum of Understanding on Advancing Bilateral Defense Cooperation in 2011 and the U.S.-Vietnam Joint Vision Statement on Defense Relations signed in 2015, as well as discussed preparations for activities in commemoration of the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the Vietnam-U.S. Comprehensive Partnership (2013-2023).

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An overview of the dialogue

Both sides highly valued efforts and achievements that they reached in fields of cooperation, especially in overcoming war-left aftermaths such as the dioxin detoxification at Bien Hoa Airport, supporting people with disabilities in areas heavily sprayed with Agent Orange (AO), bomb and mine clearance, and searching for remains of soldiers missing in action.

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Delegates pose for a joint photo

In the coming time, the two sides agreed to continue to efficiently implement the signed agreements, focusing on setlement of war consequences, U.N. peacekeeping operations, military medical cooperation, and search and rescue missions. They also consented to continue to consult and support each other at regional forums, promote their roles as ASEAN Defense Ministers' Meeting Plus (ADMM) members, contributing to peace, stability and common development in the region.

Translated by Trung Thanh