Deputy Prime Minister, Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh and U.S. National Security Robert O’Brien have agreed that the Viet Nam-US ties reach peak and have never been better.

 Deputy Prime Minister, Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh (right) and U.S. National
Security Adviser  Robert O’Brien bump elbows ahead of their meeting in Ha Noi
on November 21, 2020. Photo: VGP

Speaking at their meeting on Saturday, Deputy PM, FM Minh spoke highly of the two countries’ efforts in organizing events to mark the 25th anniversary of their diplomatic ties despite the Covid-19 pandemic.

Minh extended thanks to the Administration and the Department of State of the US for their timely assistance for Viet Nam to curb the pandemic and overcome the consequences caused by natural disasters in central Viet Nam.

O’Brien affirmed that the US supports a strong, independent and prosperous Viet Nam which plays an increasingly important role in the region.

The US commits to sustaining stable relations and collaboration with Viet Nam to accelerate the bilateral ties in a practical, extensive, effective, and sustainable manner, contributing to peace, security, cooperation and development in the region and the world, the U.S. National Security Adviser affirmed.

Regarding measures to further step up the ties, both sides agreed to give priority to early resumption of regular delegation exchange, strengthen humanitarian assistance and settlement of war consequences, and facilitate trade and investment for mutual benefits.

Minh welcomed the effective implementation of an action plan towards harmonious and sustainable trade ties, underlining the potential of energy cooperation in the bilateral economic ties.

O’Brien highly valued the Vietnamese Government’s measures to promote harmonious and sustainable trade with the U.S., welcoming the signing of many trade agreements between the two countries’ businesses, and voicing support for continued dialogues and consultations to build a sustainable trade relation between the sides.

On security-defense cooperation, Minh lauded cooperation between competent agencies of the two countries, including maintaining bilateral dialogue mechanisms and fostering cooperation in search and rescue work and humanitarian relief.

Both Minh and O’Brien expressed their pleasure at the sides’ efforts in overcoming war consequences, which has contributed to enhancing their mutual trust.

Viet Nam and ASEAN member States will continue supporting and coordinating with the U.S. and other countries to make positive contributions to the maintenance of peace, security, stability, cooperation and rule-based order in the region and the world, Minh affirmed.

He asked the U.S. to continue backing ASEAN centrality and promoting the ASEAN-U.S. strategic partnership and the Mekong-U.S. partnership.

O’Brien expressed his hope that the two nations will continue coordination in addressing common challenges, contributing to peace, stability, security and development in the region and the world.

Earlier the same day, O’Brien had bilateral meetings with Vietnamese Minister of Public Security To Lam and Minister of National Defense Ngo Xuan Lich.

He also paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc./.

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