Defence Minister Phung Quang Thanh and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh on Thursday hosted separate receptions for a visiting US delegation led by Senator John McCain in Hanoi.

The Defense Minister said national defence relations between Vietnam and the US have recorded new progress in delegation exchanges, army medical, search and rescue, and overcoming the aftermath of war. McCain said co-operation between the two countries has increased considerably in recent years, including the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on co-operation at the deputy ministerial level.

Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh recieves US Senator John McCain

Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Minh reiterated that Vietnam considers the US a top partner in its external policy of comprehensive integration. Minh said the two sides should enhance cooperation in economics, trade, investment, science and technology, and education and training. He asked the US Senator to lobby his government to recognize Vietnam’s market economy, and include Vietnam in the Generalised System of Preferences.

McCain said he wants to help boost bilateral economic relations including lifting trade barriers and support Vietnam’s effort to resolve the aftermath of war. He added that the US values its relations with ASEAN countries, including Vietnam, supports resolving the East Sea issue peacefully, and rejects the use of or threat to use force in the East Sea region.