Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung received Secretary of the US Department of the Interior Sally Jewell in Hanoi on June 30, saying that the visit will contribute significantly to bolstering the two countries’ cooperation.

He hailed the outcomes of the working session between the Secretary and Vietnamese officials and affirmed that Vietnam consistently wishes to work with the US for the intensive and effective development of the bilateral comprehensive cooperative partnership for mutual interests and for peace, stability, cooperation and development in the region and the world.

Regarding the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) agreement, the Government leader urged both sides to continue the negotiations with good will and efforts as well as necessary flexibility as President Obama had said in previous meetings with Vietnamese officials. PM Dung noted that the agreement is significant not only for boosting economic, trade and investment ties, but also in strategic terms by forming a foundation for the sustainable and long-term development of the bilateral relations.

The PM expressed hope that the US will continue collaborating with Vietnam in the fields of education and training, science and technology, defence, security, culture and people-to-people exchange, as well as helping the country deal with the impact of dioxin and war-left unexploded ordnance, protect wild animals, and respond to climate change.

For her part, Secretary Sally Jewell said that there are many potential fields for the US and Vietnam to cooperate on, adding that the US government is committed to support Vietnam in developing into an independent and strong country with sustainable development.

Mentioning the issue of wild animal protection which is the main purpose of her working visit, the Secretary spoke highly of Vietnam’s commitments to combating wild animal trafficking, affirming that the US is willing to support, cooperate and share information with Vietnam in this area.

Furthermore, the US will also coordinate with Vietnam in initiatives to promote the sustainable use of water resources and adapt to climate change and rising sea levels, as well as those relating to geological study and minerals, she added.

She pledged to convey Vietnam’s proposals on bilateral cooperation in surmounting the aftermath of dioxin and war-left bombs and mines to US Government members.

VNA