Vietnam and the US will increase cooperation on issues of mutual concern, including the fight against the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

Ambassador to the US Ha Kim Ngoc affirms Vietnam's desires to promote all-round cooperation with the US

The agreement was reached during online talks on April 30 between Vietnamese ambassador to the US Ha Kim Ngoc and Joaquin Castro, member of the US House of Representatives. 

The two officials discussed the Vietnam-US Comprehensive Partnership and the ASEAN-US Strategic Partnership, including bilateral cooperation on coping with COVID-19.

They expressed their delight at the strong development of the Vietnam-US Comprehensive Partnership in various areas, noting that the two countries have worked closely together in bilateral cooperation and supported each other within the ASEAN-US cooperation mechanism to combat the epidemic and hammer out post-coronavirus economic recovery measures, so as to promote economic, trade and investment relations. 

The officials also exchanged views on the East Sea situation and ways to strengthen Mekong-US cooperation.

Ambassador Ngoc informed the US official on the efforts the Government and people of Vietnam have been making in carrying out the dual task of fighting against the epidemic and stimulating economic recovery at the same time. 

He also affirmed ASEAN’s resolve to promote effective cooperation with partners, including the US, and thanked the US for its timely support for ASEAN countries in dealing with the epidemic.

Congressman Joaquin Castro appreciates Vietnam's support
to the US in the battle against COVID-19

For his part, Joaquin Castro congratulated Vietnam on its initial success in containing the COVID-19 epidemic, and appreciated Vietnam's willingness to support the United States in the coronavirus battle. 

Joaquin, who is also the co-chairman of the Congressional Caucus on ASEAN, voiced his support for a strong, united ASEAN, the US-ASEAN Strategic Partnership and Vietnam’s active role as ASEAN Chair in 2020. 

With regard to the recent complicated situation in the East Sea, Congressman Joaquin Castro stated the Congressional Caucus on ASEAN and he personally denounced all actions that infringe upon the sovereignty and run counter to international law and order aimed at changing the status quo and destabilizing the area. 

He also expressed support for a joint proposal by the US and countries in the lower Mekong River basin to upgrade the cooperation mechanism, from the current Lower Mekong Initiative (LMI) to the Mekong-US Partnership, for sustainable development in the Mekong region.

The US Congressman recalled the good impression of the country and people of Vietnam during former President Barack Obama's visit to the Southeast Asian nation in 2016, and hoped to return to Vietnam one day in the future.