Vietnamese Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh and US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton held talks in Hanoi on July 10 to discuss ways to foster future cooperation.



During the talks, both sides said they are delighted with the development of Vietnam-US relations and expressed their belief that there is huge potential for strengthening cooperation in the future, especially in economics, trade, science, technology, education and training.

They discussed ways to resolve the consequences of war and Ms Clinton said the US will further assist Vietnam to clear unexploded ordnance, detoxify Agent Orange (AO) /Dioxin-contaminated areas, and help AO victims in Vietnam.

Both host and guest agreed to promote cooperation in regional and multilateral forums for mutual benefit and for the sake of peace, security, stability, cooperation in the region and the world.

Regarding maintaining peace, stability, cooperation and maritime safety in the East Sea, they agreed to settle East Sea disputes peacefully in accordance with  international law, especially the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea and the 2002 Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea.

At a press briefing after the talks, Ms Clinton said her visit offers a chance for both countries to reaffirm their cooperation for mutual benefit.

She said the US appreciates Vietnam’s contributions to a collaborative, diplomatic resolution of disputes and the reduction of tensions in the East Sea.

She hopes ASEAN and China will make rapid progress toward an effective code of conduct to ensure that, as challenges arise, they can be managed and resolved peacefully.

Ms Clinton spoke highly of Vietnam’s important role in the region, saying that the country has emerged as a leader in the lower Mekong region and in Southeast Asia.

She also highlighted the development of bilateral cooperation between the US and Vietnam, with two-way trade turnover reaching more than US$22 billion in 2011, a 40 percent increase compared to 2010. She said she hopes that the relations between the two countries will continue to be fostered, especially in trade and investment.

** The same day, Secretary of State Clinton was received by Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong and Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung.

US, Vietnam urged to boost cooperation

Vietnam and the US should further promote cooperation in the fields of economics, trade, investment, science, technology, education-training, environmental protection and climate change management.

General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Nguyen Phu Trong made the suggestion at a July 10 reception in Hanoi for visiting US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

The Party leader said he is pleased with the progresses of the two countries’ multifaceted cooperation, especially in economics and trade since establishing diplomatic ties in 1995.

Reaffirming Vietnam’s consistent foreign policy of peaceful independence, self-reliance, peace, cooperation and development, multilateralisation and diversification of relations, and active and proactive international integration, he said that the US is an important partner of Vietnam.

The party chief spoke highly of the active role of the US Secretary of State and her husband, former US President Bill Clinton, in fostering the friendship and cooperation between the two nations.

Ms Clinton informed her host of the results of her talks and meetings with Vietnamese leaders and expressed her pleasure to witness the country’s achievements in its renewal process, national construction and development over recent years.

She highly valued Vietnam’s increasing position and role in the region and in the world, affirming that the US administration wants to further strengthen effective multifaceted cooperation within regional mechanisms and countries, including Vietnam.

The strong development of economic, trade, educational and training relations between the two countries is encouraging US businesses to invest in the Vietnamese market, she noted.

Both host and guest also discussed regional and international issues of common concern, including maintaining regional peace and stability. They affirmed the importance of strengthening cooperation at regional and international forums.

VNA/VOV