Both sides agreed that the bilateral defense cooperation has grown in line with the Memorandum of Understanding on Advancing Bilateral Defense Cooperation and the Joint Vision Statement on Defense Relations adopted in 2011 and 2015, respectively, contributing to the Viet Nam-US Comprehensive Partnership.

Chien spoke highly of the sides’ efforts and outcomes in overcoming war consequences, especially in implementing projects on dioxin remediation at Bien Hoa airbase, support for disabled people affected by Agent Orange/dioxin, and search for remains of missing servicemen

He also lauded the American side’s effective assistance for Viet Nam to engage in the UN-led peacekeeping operations and enhance the capacity of its Coast Guard.

For his part, Helvey affirmed the U.S. attaches importance to the Comprehensive Partnership with Viet Nam, expressing his hope that Viet Nam will continue to thrive and plays an increasingly important role in the region.

He pledged that the U.S. will continue boosting the bilateral defense ties across the existing domains, including maritime security, peacekeeping operations, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.

Helvey expressed his gratitude to Viet Nam’s efforts in helping the U.S. to search for the missing servicemen, committing to further accelerate joint projects in this regard.