(VOVworld) - Vietnam always treasures its comprehensive cooperation with the US, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh told US Secretary of State John Kerry on Wednesday.
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| Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh and US Secretary of State John Kerry. (Photo: VNA) |
The two leaders discussed ways to enhance their partnership and preparations for President Barack Obama’s visit to Vietnam, which is highly anticipated by the Vietnamese people. Minh hailed the two countries’ close cooperation, which is beneficial to the development of each country.
Kerry said President Obama is looking forward to visiting Vietnam and to deeper comprehensive partnership in economics, trade, investment, education, climate change response, science, and technology. Kerry said he wants more frequent people-to-people exchanges and an early adoption of the agreement on the Peace Corps teaching English in Vietnam. The US will help Vietnam overcome the war aftermath and detoxify Agent Orange dioxin hot spots. Kerry urged stronger cooperation in maritime security and promised the US support to improve Vietnam’s law enforcement capability and coast guard operations. Kerry said the Obama administration praised Vietnamese efforts to finalize the TPP. He said he will lobby the US Congress to approve the agreement this year.
Minh and Kerry touched on East Sea issues. The US backs Vietnam’s effort to ensure maritime security and safety and its determination to resolve disputes by peaceful means based on the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, and the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea. The US opposes militarization and island building, and supports regional structural development with ASEAN playing a key role.
On Wednesday, Minh met with leaders of Boeing Group and ACDL Group.