7th Vietnam-US Political, Security, and Defense Dialogue opens
(VOVworld) – Vietnam and the US reiterated their commitments to enhance bilateral ties based on friendship, mutual trust and respect, and common pledges on peace, stability, prosperity, and security in Asia Pacific at the 7
th Vietnam-US Political, Security, and Defense Dialogue that opened in Hanoi on Thursday. Delegates discussed measures to improve cooperation in maritime security, humanitarian aid and natural disaster reliefs, non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, drug trafficking, cyber security, peace-keeping and law enforcement activities. Both sides exchanged ideas on the East Sea issue and reiterated common interests in maintaining peace, stability, navigation and aviation freedom, as well as settling disputes through peaceful diplomatic measures, avoiding unilateral provocative acts and abiding by international laws, including the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.
The 4th Vietnam-US Political, Security, and Defense Dialogue in 2011. Photo: US Department of State
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The two sides also discussed measures to enhance defense and security cooperation under the Memorandum of Understanding on boosting bilateral defense ties signed in 2011. Both sides agreed to continue cooperation in law enforcement at sea, especially in improving each other’s capability to cope with disasters and conduct search and rescue activities. They pledged to further cooperate in searching for soldiers missing in action (MIA), addressing issues regarding agent orange/dioxin and bomb and mine clearance. They also affirmed their joint efforts in settling shared international security challenges. The 2-day dialogue was co-chaired by Vietnamese Deputy Foreign Minister Ha Kim Ngoc and US Assistant Secretary of State for Political-Military Affairs Puneet Talwar.