Defence Minister hosts US Ambassador

The Minister welcomed Ambassador Knapper to his new position and wished him a successful tenure in the hope that he can contribute to boosting ties between the two countries in general, with a specific focus on improving relations between the two defence ministries.

He affirmed that both countries and the two defence ministries have been able to maintain their ties through numerous high-level visits, despite the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to the Minister, defence co-operation between the two countries has continued to be carried out in the spirit of the 2011 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Advancing Bilateral Defence Cooperation, as well as the 2015 Joint Vision Statement on Defence Relations.

This has produced several positive outcomes in a number of fields, such as the settlement of the legacy of previous conflicts, dialogue and consultation, training, search and rescue activities, humanitarian support, and UN peacekeeping activities.

Minister Giang suggested that the Ambassador pay heed to ramping up  defence co-operation between the two countries, particularly in terms of the settlement of issues from previous wars, the enhancement of peacekeeping capacity, and military medicine used in epidemic prevention and control. He also asked the US to accelerate the pace of the dioxin remediation project at Bien Hoa airport.  

Ambassador Knapper affirmed that bilateral relations in the recent past have continued to develop in line with the joint comprehensive partnership, adding that the US will continue to assist the country in fields which are Vietnam’s needs.  

He reiterated that the US backs an independent, strong, and prosperous Vietnam, with a strong desires to ramp up bilateral relations on the basis of respect for each other’s independence, sovereignty, and political regime.

The US diplomat therefore pledged to work to promote bilateral defence co-operation during his tenure in Vietnam.