(VOVworld) - The US Department of State held a press conference in Washington DC on Thursday on President Barack Obama’s official visit to Vietnam from May 23rd to 25th. The event was attended by Daniel Kritenbrink, Senior Director for Asian Affairs under the National Security Council, and Assistant Secretary Daniel Russel from the Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs.
The two officials said Obama’s upcoming visit to Vietnam and Japan illustrates his Asian-Pacific Rebalance strategy. The visit aims to tighten links with the US’s allies and build up partnerships with newly emerging countries in the region, including Vietnam.
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| US President Barack Obama (Photo: AFP) |
Russel said: “It’s the President’s first visit to Vietnam. But more important, it’s the fact that the visit signifies the substantial progress that we’ve made in the relationship. Clearly stronger bilateral relation with this dynamic country of 90 million people which is an increasingly important partner for us on whole range of issues, benefits both nations.”
Obama will be the third US President to visit Vietnam since the two countries normalized ties 20 years ago. Obama will discuss with Vietnamese leaders ways to accelerate the comprehensive partnership in economics, people-to-people diplomacy, security, and human rights.
Kritenbrink said: “One of the defining characteristics of our 21st century partnership with Vietnam is the shared commitment to advancing the world-based order in the Asia Pacific where countries can pursuit their goals peacefully and in accordance with the international law. We look forward to continuing our conversation with Vietnam’s leaders about how we can partner with Vietnam to enhance its maritime security.”
Russel called Obama’s visit historic. He added that Vietnam has become a reliable partner in resolving multilateral issues such as: the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement, law enforcement on the sea, and the East Sea dispute.