State President Truong Tan Sang welcomed the first-ever trip by US Secretary of Defence Ashton Carter in Hanoi on June 1, saying that his visit came in conjunction with the 20th anniversary of diplomatic ties.

The two countries have been looking towards the future, manifested by the establishment of comprehensive partnership, regular high-level exchanges with the highlight of the upcoming visit by Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, and meetings at the 2015 United Nations forums, the President said, adding that such occasions afford opportunities to talk about issues concerning peace and stability in the region and the world.

He also asked for early conclusion of the Trans-Pacific Partnership negotiations and fully lifting ban on weapon sales to Vietnam.

Vietnam is ready to continue working with the US on humanitarian issues such as search for remains of missing-in-action US servicemen, bomb and mine clearance, Agent Orange/dioxin detoxification in Da Nang and Bien Hoa, the State leader declared.

Thanking the US for its support in improving the capacity of search-and-rescue forces, the host urged the US to provide all necessary assistance to Vietnam in raising the capacity of maritime law enforcement forces.

On the East Sea issue, he stressed that Vietnam continually pursues the policy of building a prosperous, independent and self-reliant country with hope to partner with countries on the basis of solidarity and friendship.

The host said any dispute in the East Sea should be addressed via peaceful dialogues and respect to international law, especially the 1982 Convention on the Law of the Sea and the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea, towards the formulation of a Code of Conduct in the East Sea.

Vietnam wants countries to deliver on their promises at international forums, including exercising self-restraint and refraining from the use of forces, he said, adding that Vietnam is steadfast to strongly protesting actions that may change the status quo in the East Sea for military purpose and violate international law.

According to him, the irrelevance of China’s self-claimed “nine-dot” line in the East Sea is complicating the issue, and Vietnam welcomes all countries that support the country and the ASEAN’s stance on the settlement of emerging issue in the East Sea.

Carter said US President Obama is looking forward to the upcoming visit by the Vietnamese Party chief, adding that it will be a historic visit in the history of bilateral ties.

The guest said Vietnam and the US share similar position regarding peace, security and maritime safety in the East Sea which will be discussed more in the coming time.

Party chief reiterates Vietnam’s stance on ties with US

Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong reiterated the Vietnamese Party and State’s consistent stance on developing ties with the US for their people as well as for peace, stability and development in the region and the world while receiving US Secretary of Defence Ashton Carter in Hanoi on June 1.

Expressing his delight at the positive progress of the two countries’ multifaceted cooperation since the end of the war 40 years ago and 20 years of the normalisation of diplomatic ties, the Party chief hailed the US authorities, Congress, individuals and collectives for their support to post-war recovery efforts in Vietnam, including the partnership between the Vietnamese Defence Ministry and the US Department of Defence in bomb and mine clearance, environment detoxification, humanitarian assistance and search for remains of missing-in-action US servicemen.

He stressed the need to continue this activity to raise mutual trust and understanding, making it easier to solidify bilateral defence ties.

Carter, for his part, affirmed the US’s wish for further close all-around links with Vietnam, and agreed with the facilitation of high-level visits, including an upcoming trip to the US by the Vietnamese leader which he described as significant.

On the security, safety and freedom of navigation and aviation and the recent developments in the East Sea, Carter informed the host about the outcomes of the recently-held Shangri-La Forum in Singapore, stressing that the US supports the settlement of disputes by diplomatic means on the basis of respect to international law.

At the reception, both host and guest also discussed regional and global issues of shared concern.

Draft law on government organisation examined

The draft revised Law on Government Organisation came under scrutiny at a plenary National Assembly (NA) session in Hanoi on June 1 under the chair of NA Vice Chairman Uong Chu Luu.

Twenty lawmakers raised their voice over the apparatus, rights and responsibilities of the Cabinet, including the Prime Minister, Ministers and heads of ministry-level agencies.

In the afternoon session, member of the NA Standing Committee and Chairman of the NA Law Committee Phan Trung Ly delivered a report on acquiring feedback and making changes to the draft Law on the Organisation of Local Governments.

Different opinions by 21 legislators focused on the apparatus, rights and responsibilities of the People’s Councils and People’s Committees, including the number of their deputy heads, the local government models in rural, urban and island areas, the special administrative-economic units, and division, split-up and adjustment of administrative units.

On June 2, law-makers will consider possible changes to the amended Law on State budget, and the draft laws on the organisation of criminal investigative bodies, and detention.

Congratulations to Chilean Socialist Party’s new president

Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong has sent a message of congratulations to Isabel Allende on her election as president of the Chilean Socialist Party.

Isabel Allende is the first female president of the party since its establishment in 1933.