US Senator backs Vietnam’s rising position globally
VOV.VN - Vietnamese Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son on June 4 had a phone call to Senator Jeff Merkley, chairman of the Subcommittee on Interior, Environment and Related Agencies of the US Senate Appropriations Committee, who again voiced the US’s support for a strong, independent, self-reliant and prosperous Vietnam.
During the phone call, Son affirmed that Vietnam considers the United States a strategically important partner, hoping that the two sides would continue to coordinate more closely in realising the new partnership framework on the basis of respect for each other’s independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity and political institutions.
Vietnam and the United States upgraded their relationship to a level of comprehensive strategic partnership during President Joe Biden’s visit to Vietnam last September.
He welcomed the two sides’ increased contact and exchange of delegations at all levels and through all channels, including the parliamentary channel, contributing to creating a solid foundation for cooperation between the Vietnamese National Assembly and the US Congress.
On the occasion, he respectfully invited Merkley to visit Vietnam again soon.
Senator Merkley for his part recalled the good impressions during his visit to Vietnam last year and affirmed the US Congress’ strong support for promoting the Vietnam - US comprehensive strategic partnership.
He echoed Son’s view about the importance of increasing reciprocal visit exchanges and revealed that some delegations of the US Senate have planned to visit Vietnam in the coming time.
Meanwhile, Son suggested that that the US Congress support the maintenance of economic - trade - investment relations between the two countries in a stable and sustainable direction. He also suggested that the US side continue to allocate more resources to support Vietnam in overcoming the consequences of war, as well as in responding to climate change and developing high-quality human resources.
Merkley acknowledged Son’s suggestions and said that he personally would continue to prioritize further promoting cooperation in overcoming the consequences of war as well as other areas of cooperation of their strengths.
The two sides also discussed regional and international issues of mutual concern. Merkley emphasized that the United States supports the central role of ASEAN in the regional structure and it will continue to enhance the US-ASEAN comprehensive strategic partnership and the Mekong – US partnership.
Exchanging views on the East Sea issue, the two sides stressed the importance of maintaining peace, security, stability, and freedom of navigation and aviation in the regional waters.
