(VOVworld) -  US Secretary of State John Kerry has reiterated that the US wants to develop cooperative relations with Vietnam, create a sustainable economic growth based on trade and advanced policies, and encourage security cooperation, respect of law, and fight against nuclear weapons.

US Secretary of State John Kerry at Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology and Education (Photo: ntd.com.vn)

He made the statement during talks with students of Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology and Education on Friday as part of his visit to Vietnam.

Mr. Kerry said he is proud at the development of the bilateral ties which has been improved to a new height over the past two decades.

During that time, both have insisted on the stance to become each other’s partners towards expanding bilateral cooperation programs in health care, education, science, technology.

According to him, Vietnam is one of the US’s partners in the world peace-keeping initiative while the US is providing much support for Vietnam in education, security and defense.

In regards of the TPP agreement, he said Vietnam should prioritize the areas which Vietnam currently needs such as governance, personnel, environment, or business opportunities.

Mr. Kerry reiterated the US’s view on the settlement of disputes in the East Sea via peaceful means and legal and diplomatic processes on the basis of international law, especially the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

On Friday afternoon, Mr. Kerry held talks with leaders of the Ho Chi Minh City.

On Saturday, he visited Ca Mau province and talked with local experts on environmental issues, coordination in renewable energy development, sustainable infrastructure, water management, and a smart ecosystem.