US holds important position in Vietnam’s foreign policy, says PM

VOV.VN - Vietnam always considers the United States as one of the most important partners in its foreign policy, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh told US congressmen in Hanoi on April 8.

At the reception, Chinh said he was delighted at the positive development of the Vietnam – US partnership over the years, in which economic - trade cooperation is a key pillar. He highly appreciated the US Government and political circle’s support for a strong, prosperous, self-sufficient and independent Vietnam.

He recalled the success of the recent phone talks between Vietnamese Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong and US President Joe Biden, and said Vietnam is willing to work with the United States to continue promoting bilateral relations in respect of each other’s independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity and political institutions, meeting the interests of the two peoples and contributing to peace, stability, cooperation and development in the region and beyond.

Vietnam wishes to elevate its comprehensive partnership with the US on the basis of mutual benefits, he told US senators.

He proposed that the US Congress continues to allocate budget to support Vietnam in overcoming war consequences, including landmine clearing and Agent Orange/dioxin related issues.

He also proposed that the US Congress continue to support the two Governments in effectively deploying cooperation initiatives in the fields of trade – investment, defence security, education – training, science - technology, innovation, energy transition, and climate change response.

Senator Jeff Merkley and other Congressmen affirmed that the US Congress considers Vietnam one of its most important partners in the region.

They underlined the importance of promoting exchanges and contacts between the Governments and legislatures of the two countries, especially when both countries are celebrating 10 years of their comprehensive partnership this year in 2023, as well as maintaining the bipartisan consensus of the US for relations with Vietnam.

They stressed that the US would continue to support Vietnam in areas of mutual benefit, and wished the US and Vietnam would upgrade their relations to a strategic partnership soon.

The US Congressmen said that the US would focus on addressing war consequences, including assistance to war victims, landmine clearance, dioxin decontamination, and search for missing soldiers, along with climate change adaptation, investment – trade promotion, and energy transition.

The US will continue to create favourable conditions for Vietnamese expatriates to live, work and study stably in the country, they assured the PM.

Exchanging views about regional and international issues of mutual concern, both host and guests agreed that the two sides have cooperated more and more effectively within the framework of multilateral institutions, especially in ASEAN, and related regional mechanisms. They voiced their support for the central role of ASEAN, the ASEAN-US Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, and the Mekong-US Partnership.

The US side asked Vietnam to support the US in strengthening responsible cooperation with the Asia-Pacific region, making positive contributions to peace, stability, cooperation and development in the region and the world.

The congressmen requested that Vietnam support the US in strengthening cooperation with the Asia-Pacific region, making positive contributions to peace, stability, cooperation and development in the region and beyond.

With regard to the East Sea issue, the two sides affirmed their stance on the maintenance of freedom and safety of navigation and aviation, and peaceful settlement of disputes on the basis of international law, the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). They voiced support for fully and effective implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC), while working towards an effective, substantive and consistent Code of Conduct (COC) in line with international law.

Senator Jeff Merkley is leading the US Congress delegation on a Vietnam visit. Other members of the delegation are Senator Chris Van Hollen, and Representatives Lloyd Doggett, Pramila Jayapal and Ilhan Omar.

They are scheduled to take part in activities in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and some southern localities to promote the friendship and cooperation between the two countries in celebration of the 10th anniversary of the Vietnam – US Comprehensive Partnership (2013-2023).

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