Vietnam Defence Minister General Phung Quang Thanh on May 31 held separate bilateral meetings with his counterparts from the US, UK and France on the sidelines of the 13th Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore.

Vietnam Defence Minister Phung Quang Thanh (R) meets with French counterpart Jean-Yves Le Drian.

In the meeting with US Defence Secretary Chuck Hagel, Minister Thanh agreed to cooperate with the US in searching for US servicemen missing in action (MIA) during the past war, as well as dealing with post-war consequences of mines and unexploded (UXO) as well as dioxin in Vietnam.

Regarding the current East Sea situation, both sides stressed the need to respect international law and attached the utmost of importance to maintaining peace, stability, and maritime and air security and safety in the region.

On the basis of mutual understanding and common interest, they exchanged views and contributed opinions on protecting peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region.

Talking to the media at the 13th Asia Security Forum, Minister Thanh said he valued Chuck Hagel’s speech that put emphasis on the need for countries to make a concerted effort to maintain peace and stability and strictly comply with international law.

*** In other meetings with French Defence Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian and UK Defence Minister Philip Hammond, all parties voiced their concern over tensions in the East Sea after China illegally deployed its Haiyang Shiyou 981 oil rig in Vietnam’s exclusive economic zone and continental shelf.

Philip Hammond affirmed the UK’s strong support for the declaration of the European Union showing concern over disputes between China and Vietnam regarding Haiyang Shiyou 981 oil rig, calling on  the two  sides to ease tension and avoid unilaterally taking any action that may do harm to peace and stability in the region.

Minister Hammond underscored that the UK opposes the use of force in settling the dispute.

For his part, French Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian backed solutions for the peaceful settlement of conflicts.

Also on May 31, Deputy Defence Minister Senior Lieutenant General Nguyen Chi Vinh had a working session with US Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Army General Martin Dempsey.

VOV/VNN