VietNamNet Bridge – US Secretary of State John Kerry will drop in Vietnam during his fourth Asian tour from December 11-18, State Department spokesperson Jen Psaki announced.

At a press briefing in Washington DC on December 9, Psaki said Kerry will travel to the Middle East, Vietnam and the Philippines during his week-long trip.

“The Secretary’s visit to Vietnam will highlight the dramatic transformation in the bilateral relationship over the years and our growing partnership in many areas,” the spokesperson said.

In Ho Chi Minh City, meetings will be focused on the growth of bilateral trade ties and the empowering role of education.

He will travel to the Mekong Delta where he will emphasize how Americans and Vietnamese can work together on critical issues such as climate change and renewable energy.

In Hanoi, the Secretary will meet with senior Vietnamese leaders to advance the comprehensive partnership announced by President Barack Obama and President Truong Tan Sang in July 2013, and he will also discuss a wide range of bilateral and regional issues.

Within the Asia-Pacific rebalance, Southeast Asia holds special importance, and the Secretary’s travel to Vietnam and the Philippines demonstrates the enduring US commitment and his personal connections to the region, Psaki said.  

Source: VOV