US supports strong, independent, prosperous Viet Nam, Pompeo says

Deputy Prime Minister, Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh and US Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo at the Headquarters of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ha Noi, October 30, 2020. Photo: VGP

The US Secretary of State made the above statement at his face-to-face talks with Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister, Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh on Friday morning.

Pompeo, who is on a two-day official visit to Viet Nam, spoke highly of the two countries’ efforts in consolidating and enhancing their comprehensive partnership based on respect for each other’s independence, sovereignty, territorial and political system.

The US commits to sustaining stable relations and cooperation with Viet Nam to further advance the bilateral ties in a substantial, trusted and effective manner in order to contributing to security, peace, cooperation and development in the region and the world.

Deputy PM, FM Minh highlighted the sides’ joint efforts in flexibly organizing activities, including high-level contacts to mark the 25^th founding anniversary of the Viet Nam-US diplomatic relations despite the COVID-19 pandemic.

Minh conveyed thanks to the US Administration and the Department of State for their timely and practical assistance for Viet Nam to contain the COVID-19 pandemic and overcome consequences caused by floods in the central region.

He reiterated Viet Nam treasures the comprehensive partnership with the US, expressing his pleasure at the positive developments in the bilateral ties, from politics-diplomacy, economy-trade, security-defense to people-to-people exchanges.

Both sides discussed ways to foster bilateral cooperation in the time ahead, especially the resumption of delegation exchange, trade and investment.

Pompeo appreciated the Vietnamese Government’s measures deployed so far to achieve harmonious and sustainable trade with the US. Both sides affirmed their support for continued dialogues and consultation to build up stable trade ties.

Regarding regional and international issues of shared concerns, Deputy PM, FM Minh asked the US to continue advocating ASEAN solidarity and centrality and accelerating ASEAN-US strategic partnership.

Pompeo highly valued the role played by Viet Nam as the ASEAN Chair and non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, expressing his wish that the two countries would continue strengthening coordination in addressing common challenges, contributing to the maintenance of peace, stability, security and development in the region and the world./.

By Ngoc Van