A State Department website carried the full text of Clinton’s speech at the press briefing after holding talks with Vietnamese Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh. She said, “we are working on everything from maritime security and nonproliferation to public health and disaster relief to promoting trade and economic growth.”

Both sides also continue to address legacy issues such as Agent Orange, unexploded ordnance, and accounting for those missing in action as well, she added.

The Secretary of State highly appreciated Vietnam’s role in the lower Mekong region and in Southeast Asia, as well as its contributions to a collaborative, diplomatic resolution of disputes and a reduction of tensions in the East Sea.

The Wall Street Journal ran an article about Clinton’s visit to several ASEAN nations, including Vietnam. It said the Secretary’s important meetings with Vietnam’s leaders reaffirmed both countries’ determination to boost political and trade cooperation.

News.yahoo.com posted an article by AFP, which quoted Clinton as saying that there have been remarkable changes in Vietnam and the cooperation between the two countries is steadily growing.

Secretary and FM Minh said the US and Vietnam have shared important strategic interests in issues like the East Sea and agreed that East Sea disputes should be resolved through peaceful measures.

The Voice of America’s online newspaper said Clinton urged participants in a business forum in Hanoi to strengthen cooperation between the two countries for mutual development benefits.

Clinton said the US is proud to be Vietnam’s biggest importer and affirmed that Vietnam will benefit the most if the Trans-Pacific Partnership concludes by the end of this year.

It also cited FM Minh as saying that investment and trade will give fresh impetus to promoting Vietnam-US relations, especially after Clinton’s visit.