Prime Minister States US is a Key Ally in Vietnam’s Foreign Policy

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh (R) and US Senator Jeff Merkley in Hanoi on April 8. Photo: Nhan dan (People) newspaper

At a reception for a delegation of the United States Congress, headed by Senator Jeff Merkley, in Hanoi on April 8th, the Prime Minister expressed his willingness to work with the US to continue fostering the bilateral relationship in a practical and effective manner. This is to be done while ensuring that the two countries respect each other’s independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and political institutions, as well as serve the interests of their respective peoples and contribute to peace, stability, cooperation, and development in the region and the world. This was reported by VietnamPlus.

Chinh suggested that the US Congress should remain vigilant in allocating resources and budget to support Vietnam in addressing the aftermath of war, such as bomb and mine clearance projects and aid for Agent Orange/dioxin victims.

The Prime Minister also urged the United States Congress to support the governments of both countries in strengthening cooperation across multiple sectors, including trade and investment, defense and security, education and training, science and technology, and innovation, energy transition, and response to climate change.

For his part, Senator Merkley affirmed that the US Congress views Vietnam as a highly significant partner in the region. He concurred on the importance of encouraging interactions and exchanges between the governments and legislatures of the two countries, especially during the 10th anniversary of the Comprehensive Partnership in 2023. He also emphasized the need to uphold bipartisan consensus in the US to bolster ties with Vietnam.

He pledged to continue supporting Vietnam in areas of mutual benefit, and wished the two sides to upgrade their relations to a strategic partnership.

The US Congress delegates declared that they would prioritize addressing the consequences of war, such as aiding those who have been impacted, clearing landmines, decontaminating dioxin, searching for missing soldiers; combating climate change; fostering investment, trade, and energy transmission cooperation; and creating favorable conditions for the Vietnamese community in the US.

Regarding regional and international issues, the two sides agreed that they have collaborated effectively within the framework of multilateral institutions, especially ASEAN and related regional mechanisms.

The United States requested that Vietnam support it in intensifying responsible collaboration with the Asia-Pacific region, thereby contributing to peace, stability, cooperation, and growth in the region and globally.

For the Bien Dong (South China Sea) issue, the two sides reaffirmed their commitment to preserving the freedom and security of navigation and aviation in the sea; settling relevant disputes peacefully in accordance with international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS); fully implementing the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) and striving towards the establishment of a Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC).

The US delegation was received by National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue on the same day, expressing their wish to strengthen the relationship between the two peoples. They vowed to put forth more effort to further advance bilateral ties in the coming time, as reported by VOV.

NA Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue (R) and US Senator Jeff Merkley in Hanoi on April 8. Photo: VNA

Hue suggested that the two legislatures come together to formulate a cooperation framework and working mechanism between their committees, and to strengthen parliamentary exchanges, especially among young and female parliamentarians. He further proposed that the US Congress should create the US-Vietnam Friendship Parliamentary Group to intensify communication between the two sides.

Vietnam is hoping to obtain assistance from the United States in order to effectively carry out its climate commitments, the minister declared.

The US Congress gave its high appreciation for Vietnam’s commitment to achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions at the 26th UN Conference on Climate Change (COP26), expressing their desire to cooperate with Vietnam in various fields, such as energy transition. Additionally, they expressed a keen interest in Vietnam’s National Power Development Plan VIII, and expressed enthusiasm for US businesses to invest in clean energy projects and digital transformation in Vietnam.

Both hosts and guests emphasized the need to develop a legal framework to fulfill the obligations of COP26, noting that the two sides should work together to address and resolve any shared difficulties and challenges.

In an open, sincere atmosphere, Hue reassured that Vietnam has always respected and ensured human rights and the rights of citizens, in accordance with the Constitution and the law.

Vietnam has continuously demonstrated its commitment to upholding and implementing international conventions on human rights that it has signed and acceded to, firmly declared the chairman. By honoring these agreements, the nation has demonstrated its respect for such important issues.

On this occasion, he extended an invitation to the group of young US congressmen to attend the ninth Global Conference of Young Parliamentarians to be hosted by the National Assembly of Vietnam this September.

Defence Minister General Phan Van Giang hosts a reception for the US delegation. Photo: VNA

On April 8, Defense Minister General Phan Van Giang hosted a reception for a U.S. delegation. The esteemed gathering was a reflection of the strong ties between the two nations and a celebration of the ongoing collaboration between them. Giang expressed gratitude for the U.S.’s support in various areas of defense and security, and expressed his confidence in the future of the partnership. The delegation was also honored to be welcomed by the General and thanked him for his hospitality. This event was a reminder of the longstanding relationship between the two countries and a testament to the progress they have made together.

Giang proposed that the congressmen push for the Congress’s continued support for defense cooperation between Vietnam and the United States, focusing on war consequence settlement, training, military medicine, and UN peacekeeping. With this increased cooperation, both countries can benefit from sharing resources and expertise. This could lead to better outcomes in terms of settling the consequences of war, providing improved training for military personnel, and enhancing medical support for military personnel. Furthermore, such cooperation could also help contribute to UN peacekeeping efforts, as both countries can work together to help create a more stable and peaceful world.

Senator Merkley pledged to work diligently to foster collaboration with Vietnam, particularly in the area of overcoming the effects of war.

On the occasion, Oregon Senator Jeff Merkley presented the Vietnamese Ministry of Defence a set of documents containing detailed information on Vietnamese soldiers who went missing during the Vietnam War, according to Nhan dan (People) newspaper./.