Vietnam, US see opportunities to enhance defense cooperation

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

She assured that the US side has available resources to boost cooperation with Vietnam in the fields of overcoming the aftermath of the war, maritime security, deployment of forces to UN peacekeeping missions and so on.

Regarding regional issues, she reaffirmed that the US will continue its presence in the East Sea (South China Sea) to ensure freedom of navigation and aviation, and urged relevant parties to respect the reached agreements, the ruling of the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) and international law.

Reported by Thu Nguyen - Trung Thanh