The US protests against actions that affect freedom, security and maritime safety, as well as the use of force or threat to use force.

Deputy PM and FM Pham Binh Minh (R) receives US Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Daniel Russel. (Photo:VGP)

The country calls on concerned parties to exercise restraint and settle disputes through diplomatic measures on the basis of international law.

US Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Daniel Russel told Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh at their meeting in Hanoi on May 8 while talking about the ongoing situation in the East Sea.

Daniel Russel conveyed greetings from State Secretary John Kerry to Deputy PM Minh and confirmed the establishment of the comprehensive partnership with Vietnam is an important part of President Obama’s strategy aimed at strengthening ties with the Asia- Pacific region.

The US agrees to work together on the effective implementation of the comprehensive partnership and preparations for the 20th anniversary of completion of the TPP negotiations.

The two sides should enhance coordination at regional and international forums including the UN Human Rights Council, ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) and the East Asia Summit (EAS), the US official said.

FM Minh, in turn, affirmed Vietnam’s recognition of importance to deepening the comprehensive partnership and expressed his satisfaction with the outcome of the partnership over the past year, in particular the recent signing of the agreement on peaceful civilian nuclear energy cooperation (123 Agreement).

Minh suggested the two sides should further promote exchange visits at all levels and economic, trade and investment cooperation in a way that the US will open its doors for Vietnamese goods, limiting trade barriers, especially the US Department of Agriculture supervision program on catfish.

They need to build a roadmap for recognizing Vietnam’s market economy status soon and finalizing the TPP negotiations, Minh said, noting that the US should grant Vietnam flexibility and deferential treatment in the TPP negotiations as committed.

Earlier on May 7, Deputy Foreign Minister Ho Xuan Son and Daniel Russel co-chaired the fourth dialogue on the Asia-Pacific region during which both sides compared notes on bilateral relations and international and regional issues of common concern.

VOV/VNN