US to continue helping Vietnam improve maritime capacity

The 12th Vietnam-U.S. Political, Security and Defense Dialogue was held in Washington D.C. on Thursday under the co-chair of Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Ha Kim Ngoc and U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Political-Military Affairs Jessica Lewis.

At the event, the two sides expressed their delight at the extensive and practical development of the two countries’ relations in the bilateral, regional and international aspects based on the principle of respecting independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity and political institutions of each other.

Ngoc affirmed that Vietnam always considers the U.S. as one of its most important partners, while Lewis reaffirmed that the U.S. consistently supports a strong, independent and prosperous Vietnam.

The two sides emphasized the importance of bilateral meetings, consultations and delegation exchanges for the process of building trust and mutual understanding, and promoting cooperation and intertwined interests between Vietnam and the U.S. They also affirmed that they will maintain frank, constructive and regular dialogues on controversial issues.

The officials recognized the progress of bilateral cooperation in the fields of defense and security, law enforcement and settlement of post-war consequences; while agreeing to continue developing bilateral defense ties at a stable pace, in line with the interests, conditions and policies of each country, and to expand cooperation in cyber-security, fighting trans-national crimes, and participation in UN peace-keeping missions.

They shared the determination to maintain cooperation in clearing mines and explosives, decontaminating dioxin, supporting war-affected people in Vietnam, and searching the two countries’ soldiers missing in the war.

U.S. representatives reaffirmed their commitments to continue assisting Vietnam in improving its maritime capacity, law enforcement and identification of remains of Vietnamese soldiers through training and equipment transfer.

The two sides also discussed several international and regional issues of mutual concern, and stressed the importance of ensuring the rule of law, freedom and safety of navigation and aviation, and peaceful settlement of disputes on the basis of international law, without the threat or use of force.

The U.S. side affirmed its backing for ASEAN’s consensus and central role in the regional security architecture, as the two sides agreed on the need to implement creative and practical measures to promote the Mekong-U.S. Partnership in the coming time.

On the sidelines of the dialogue, Ngoc had discussions with leaders of the U.S. Department of State, Department of Defence, and National Security Council, and some parliamentarians and advisers of the Congress, and representatives of US enterprises.

These meetings came as Vietnam and the U.S. are celebrating the 10th founding anniversary of their comprehensive partnership, and followed the high-level phone conversation on March 29 between Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong and U.S. President Joe Biden.