Hanoi (VNA) – Vietnam considers the US an important strategic partner and wants to work closer with the nation in implementing cooperation within their newly upgraded relation framework based on mutual respect for each other’s independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and political institutions, Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son affirmed in his phone talks with Jeff Merkley, who chairs the Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies at the US Senate’s Appropriations Committee.

Expressing his delight at progress made in the bilateral comprehensive strategic partnership so far, Son lauded the sides’ increasing delegation exchanges and interactions across all levels and channels, including the parliamentary channel, saying such activities have contributed to laying a foundation for cooperation between the Vietnamese National Assembly and the US Congress.

The minister proposed the Congress back bilateral trade-investment ties towards stable and sustainable growth and allocate more resources to assist Vietnam in alleviating war consequences, responding to climate change, and developing high-quality human resources. He also invited the senator to soon re-visit Vietnam.

Merkley highlighted the US Congress’s strong support for boosting the US-Vietnam comprehensive strategic partnership and its consistent support for a strong, independent, self-resilient, and prosperous Vietnam.

The senator affirmed that the promotion of cooperation in tackling war aftermath and other areas of mutual interest will continue to be his priorities. He informed FM Son about plans for Vietnam visits by a number of US Senate delegations in the coming time.

Minister Son also thanked the Oregon National Guard for helping the Vietnamese Ministry of National Defence’s Military Hospital 175 to establish the first international trauma life support training centre in the country, serving the training of local medical staff for the United Nations peacekeeping operations.

The Oregon’s “roots and boots” senator said he will continue to facilitate the life and work of the Vietnamese in the US, particularly Oregon.

Regarding regional and international matters of shared concern, Merkley stressed that the US values and supports the centrality of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in the regional architecture and will further foster the US-ASEAN comprehensive strategic partnership and US-Mekong partnership.

ꦏ Discussing the East Sea issue, the two officials agreed on the importance of maintaining peace, security, stability, and free navigation and overflight in the waters./.