(VOVworld) – At a press briefing in Hanoi on Tuesday, Daniel Russel, the US Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs, talked about the US policy of prioritizing increased promotion of cooperation with Vietnam. He also noted the topics to be discussed between President Obama and Vietnamese leaders during his visit later this month, in particular boosting bilateral economic and trade ties.

Mr. Russel said the US is committed to helping Vietnam implement the TPP and that the agenda for President Obama’s visit also includes cooperation in security, education, the settlement of post-war consequences, and global issues of mutual concern. Mr. Russel said: “We'll strengthen the important ongoing programs and activities that the US and Vietnam are currently engaging. And we'll continue our cooperation to deal with many important regional and global challenges that faces us both. And we will set the course for the future by investing even more heavily in Vietnam's greatest asset - its people, its young people - through education programs, through academic exchanges; and investing in our common future through important priorities like the TPP. Expanding securities cooperation is another important element of our growing partnership both in terms of international peace keeping, regional humanitarian assistance and disaster relief; but also importantly maritime domain awareness and maritime securities.”

Mr. Russel said the US policy is to increase comprehensive cooperation with Vietnam, encompassing economics, culture, and politics. President Obama will also discuss the East Sea issue with Vietnamese leaders. He said all countries have equal rights to aviation and navigation freedom in line with international law and the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea and other international maritime treaties should be respected in the East Sea. He added that Washington supports peaceful negotiations, the easing of tensions in the East Sea, and appropriate conduct in line with international law.