Viet Nam and the United States have held open discussion on issues of mutual concern during the recent human rights dialogue in Washington DC, according to Foreign Ministry Spokesman Luong Thanh Nghi.
Nghi made this statement in Ha Noi yesterday while answering reporters' questions on the results of the 16th Viet Nam-US Human Rights Dialogue, which took place on November 9-10.

"The two sides exchanged views on such issues as religious freedom, freedom of speech, labour rights, racial discrimination, international human rights, and future possibilities for co-operation in these initiatives," he said.

According to the spokesperson, the Vietnamese side spoke about its achievements in ensuring basic human rights, boosting socio-economic development, expanding democracy, and building of a state of law as well as the active role of the press in all aspects of social life.

The Vietnamese side also clarified its position on several matters, amending information that had not accurately reflected the situation in Viet Nam, he added.

"We think that such a useful dialogue should be carried out in the spirit of honesty and mutual respect in order to strengthen the relationship between the two countries and their citizens," he said.

VNS