With regard to the US President’s move to freeze certain foreign aid funds, including assistance for mine clearance and the removal of post-war explosive remnants in Vietnam, Hang stated, "We are deeply concerned about the US decisions regarding USAID. Over the years, through various cooperation mechanisms, including USAID, both nations have effectively collaborated in multiple areas such as healthcare, environmental protection, climate change response, disaster relief, and, notably, post-war recovery efforts. US-funded projects have delivered practical benefits across many provinces and cities in Vietnam, improving the lives of those who rely on them."

"The suspension of USAID-supported projects, particularly mine and explosive ordnance clearance as well as the Bien Hoa airport dioxin remediation project, will significantly impact human safety and the environment in affected areas. US support and Vietnam’s cooperation in the search for American servicemen missing in action (MIA) have played a meaningful role in strengthening people-to-people ties, fostering mutual trust, and boosting Vietnam-US relations, especially as the two countries mark 30 years of diplomatic ties."

"Vietnam hopes to continue working with the US to maintain and advance these cooperative efforts in a practical and effective manner, contributing to the stable, long-term development of bilateral ties in line with the Joint Statement on the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for peace, cooperation, and sustainable development," Hang emphasized.

Also at the press briefing, when asked about Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh's proposal during his meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Davos, Switzerland last month, offering Vietnam as a venue and pledging its best efforts to facilitate activities aimed at finding peaceful solutions to conflicts, spokesperson Pham Thu Hang stated, "Vietnam supports international mediation efforts to achieve a lasting peaceful resolution to the conflict, with the participation of all relevant parties, in accordance with international law and the United Nations Charter.

The nation is also ready to join the international community in fostering dialogue and seeking a peaceful settlement to bring the conflict to an end as soon as possible, she added.

Foreign Minister meets US National Security Advisor, USAID Administrator

Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son held a working session with US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan in Washington D.C. on March 25 as part of his US trip to co-chair the first annual dialogue between the foreign ministers of Vietnam and the US.