January 29, 2018 | 22:27 (GMT+7)
Vietnam, US see opportunities to enhance defense cooperation
PANO – The recent talks between General Ngo Xuan Lich - Vietnamese Defense Minister, and US Secretary of Defense James Mattis have opened opportunities for the two sides to boost defense cooperation, said Senior Lieutenant General Nguyen Chi Vinh, Deputy Defense Minister, at the meeting with the Principal Deputy Assistant to US Secretary of State for Political-Military Affairs Tina S. Kaidanow on the afternoon of January 29 in Hanoi.
Ms. Tina S. Kaidanow is leading a US delegation to the ninth Vietnam-US Political, Security and Defense Dialogue to be held on January 30 in Hanoi.
At the meeting, both host and guest expressed satisfaction at the recent fine developments in relations between the two countries as well as cooperation between the two defense organizations.
|
|
Senior Lieutenant General Nguyen Chi Vinh (R) receiving Principal Deputy Assistant to US Secretary of State for Political-Military Affairs Tina S. Kaidanow |
The host highly valued the results of the recent Vietnam visit of US Defense Secretary James Mattis, underlining that the Vietnamese Defense Minister and US Defense Secretary reached consensus on all issues discussed at their talks. “This has shown the resolve and aspirations of the two sides to enhance defense cooperation in the future,” he stressed.
General Vinh suggested that the two sides should boost cooperation in overcoming the aftermath of the war in Vietnam, particularly the clearance of unexploded ordnance left by the war and implementation of the project to clean dioxin around Bien Hoa airport; personnel training; maritime security, search and rescue; and participation in UN peacekeeping operations.
The host also highlighted Vietnam’s efforts and efficient cooperation with the US in searching and repatriating remains of fallen US servicemen during the war.
Regarding regional issues, General Vinh suggested that the US with its capacity as a big power in the region should support the central role of ASEAN in regional cooperation mechanisms, and the unity of the ASEAN Community in regional forums.
For her part, Ms. Tina S. Kaidanow affirmed that the US President Donald Trump’s visits to Vietnam and some regional countries in November last year have reconfirmed President Donald Trump’s strong commitment to the region.
|
|
Video featuring part of the meeting |