US President Barack Obama and Vietnamese leaders will discuss measures to promote the comprehensive partnership between the two countries.
On May 18, the US Department of State hosted a press conference on President Barack Obama’s official visit to Vietnam May 23-25.
The event was attended by Daniel Kritenbrink, Senior Director for Asian Affairs under the National Security Council, and Assistant Secretary Daniel Russel from the Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs.
US Assistant Secretary for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Daniel Russel highlighted the significance of Obama’s first visit to Vietnam.
He said Vietnam is a partner in the Trans-Pacific Partnership, who upholds the international law in maritime space and seeks peaceful measures to resolve tensions and disputes in the East Sea.
“It’s the President’s first visit to Vietnam. But more important, it’s the fact that the visit signifies the substantial progress that we’ve made in the relationship. Clearly stronger bilateral relation with this dynamic country of 90 million people which is an increasingly important partner for us on whole range of issues, benefits both nations.
Vietnam is a partner in sustaining the important Mekong River as a source of livelihood to millions of people and multiple nations that line its banks,” he added.
Daniel Kritenbrink, Senior Director for Asian Affairs under the National Security Council, announced President Obama official schedule, including meetings with Vietnamese leaders.
Their discussions will focus on measures to advance the US-Vietnam comprehensive partnership across a variety of areas such as trade, people-to-people, security, human rights, and global and regional issues of mutual concerns, he said.
“Through his official meetings and public engagements, the President will highlight the depth and breadth of our partnership and the remarkable progress that our two countries have made in recent years,” said Kritenbrink.
He said the Trans-Pacific Partnership will further stimulate both sides’ economic cooperation.
Vietnam and the US have a shared commitment to improving security in the Asia-Pacific region in accordance with international law, he said, adding that the US side hopes for further collaboration in numerous areas from humanitarian assistance and disaster relief to peacekeeping and maritime security.
“All these areas of cooperation and the progress we have made over the past 20 years have set a strong foundation for what we can achieve in the next 20 years and beyond,” he said.
VOV