Vietnamese leaders receive US Defence Secretary

At the meeting with US Secretary of Defence Ashton Carter in Hanoi on Monday, General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong emphasised the Vietnamese party and state’s consistent policy of respecting ties with the US. He acknowledged the efforts made by the US government, Congress, independent organisations and people in dealing with the aftermath of the American War in Vietnam including clearing mines and bombs, detoxification of the environment, humanitarian assistance and search for the remains of soldiers that went missing in action.

For his part, Secretary Carter said the US wanted to further co-operation with Vietnam and agreed on the need to increase the exchange of delegations. He reiterated the US’ support for settling disputes in the East Sea through diplomatic efforts and with respect to international law.

At a reception for the US Secretary of Defence Ashton Carter the same day, Vietnamese President Truong Tan Sang said the Vietnam-US Joint Vision Statement lays a firm foundation for other bilateral co-operation agreements to become more practical. President Sang urged the two countries to conclude negotiation on the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement, and work further to completely lift US sanctions on arms sales to Vietnam. He said Vietnam would continue to co-operate with the US in the search for the remains of dead US soldiers, and the aftermath of the American War.

In regards to the East Sea, President Sang said Vietnam strongly condemns activities that change the status quo in the East Sea and violate international law. Secretary Carter said Vietnam and the US shared the same view on peace, security and safety of navigation in the East Sea. Carter urged the two countries to strengthen co-operation in this regard.