The 19th session of the Vietnam-US Human Rights Dialogue took placein Hanoi on May 7, focusing on a number of relevant issues such asbuilding the State of the rule of law, judicial reform, freedom ofexpression, freedom of religion, labour rights, and disability rights.

Vu Anh Quang, Director of the Department ofInternational Oraganisations under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, ledthe Vietnamese delegation that comprised representatives from theGovernment Office, the Ministry of Public Security, the People’s SupremeCourt, the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Labour, Invalids andSocial Affairs, the Ministry of Information and Communications, and theGovernment Committee for Religious Affairs.

Meanwhile, the US delegation including officials from the NationalSecurity Council, the Department of State, the Department of Justice,the US Agency for International Development, and Trade Representativewas headed by Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rightsand Labour Tom Malinowski.

The two sides highlyvalued positive progresses in the Vietnam-US ties across the fieldsfeatured in the two countries’ 2013 joint statement, including the humanrights dialogue.

Participants shared theircountry’s efforts, achievements, and challenges in ensuring andpromoting human rights and emphasised the need to enhance bilateralcooperation at multilateral forums, especially at the United NationsHuman Rights Council.

The dialogue was held in anopen, candid, and constructive manner as part of the two countries’comprehensive strategic partnership.

The two sidesagreed to continue discussion and exchange of issues of mutual concernsto increase their understanding and develop Vietnam-US relations incelebration of 20 years of their diplomatic ties.-VNA