Vietnam, US seek ways to enhance bilateral partnership
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh held talks with US Secretary of State John Kerry in Washington DC on March 31 to discuss measures to strengthen the two countries’ ties.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh (L) and US Secretary of State John Kerry (Source: VNA)
Washington DC (VNA) – Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh held talks with US Secretary of State John Kerry in Washington DC on March 31 to discuss 𒊎measures to strengthen the two countries’ comprehensive partnership and prepare for President Barack Obama’s visit to Vietnam.
Minh affirmed that Vietnam attaches significance to its all-round cooperation with the US, and appreciated both countries’ efforts to realise the agreements reached by their leaders, thus helping bring about practical benefits to their people as well as to peace, stability, cooperation and development in the region and the world.
The Vietnamese leaders and people welcome the upcoming visit to Vietnam by President Obama, he stated, suggesting the two countries prepare well and intensify exchanges so as to reach specific agreements during this visit.
Kerry said he hopes the two countries will step up collaboration to deepen the bilateral comprehensive partnership in strategic areas, including economy, trade, investment, education, climate change response, and science and technology.
He showed his wish for the early establishment of mechanisms to intensify people-to-people exchanges, including an agreement related to the Peace Corps’ teaching of the English language in Vietnam.
The US will continue efforts to support Vietnam in addressing war consequences, particularly detoxifying dioxin-contaminated areas, and in improving the capacity of law enforcement and marine police forces.
He shared the negative impacts of climate change that Vietnam and other countries in the region are suffering, confirming that the US will carry out more specific measures to help Vietnam deal with drought and saltwater intrusion.
Referring to the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), he said the Obama Administration appreciated Vietnam’s efforts in how they worked with other countries to conclude negotiations on the deal, affirming that the US is now canvassing the Parliament to approve the agreement in 2016.
The US will continue efforts to accelerate recognition of Vietnam as a market economy, and provide technical assistance for the nation during its implementation of the TPP, Kerry added.
At the talks, the two sides also exchanged opinions on the regional and international situations, including the East Sea issue.
The US affirmed that it backs efforts to ensure maritime security and safety, and that disputes should be handled through legal processes and by peaceful means on the basis of the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC).
Earlier on March 30, Deputy PM Minh received leaders from the Boeing company and the Asian Coast Development Ltd. (ACDL), during which he pledged to continue facilitating operations of foreign enterprises in Vietnam.
He asked Boeing to provide continued technical assistance to help Vietnam gain a Category 1 rating in aviation safety as soon as possible, as it will allow the country to establish a direct air route to the US.
Deputy PM Minh is in the US to attend the fourth Nuclear Security Summit.-VNA
The US has become Vietnam’s leading trade and investment partner, which has been reflected through impressive trade values between the two countries over recent years.
Corporations of Vietnam and the United States on February 15 (US time) inked several deals in the presence of Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung on the sidelines of the ongoing special ASEAN-US Summit.
US President Barack Obama has informed that he will pay an official visit to Vietnam this May to learn more about the country, its people and culture as well as discuss measures to boost partnership.
An event to promote links in innovation and creativeness between Vietnam and the US was jointly held by the Ministry of Science and Technology and the US Embassy in Vietnam, in Hanoi on March 7.
The Vietnam-US Society and the Veterans for Peace – US chapter organised a seminar in Hanoi on March 15, with the focus on Vietnam-US relations and the role of veterans in the reconciliation process.
The launch of Thanh Nien (Young People) newspaper in 1925, even before the founding of the Communist Party of Vietnam, is considered a testament to President Ho Chi Minh’s strategic foresight and strong belief in the guiding power of the revolutionary media.
New Zealand is currently one of Vietnam’s most important partners in the region, marked by a high level of political trust, strong and reliable defence and security cooperation, and increasingly open economic, trade, and investment ties.
Party General Secretary To Lam stressed that the Central Public Security Party Committee must be fully aware of the extremely important role of the People's Public Security force in the country's new revolutionary phase, so as to guide each branch and level of the force as the nation undergoes transformation.
Addressing concerns over university education spending, Son explained that as public universities gain greater autonomy, the Ministry of Finance has scaled back recurrent state funding. “Over the past decade, as autonomy has increased, the State's support has steadily declined”, he noted
Lao Minister of Foreign Affairs Thongsavanh Phomvihane affirmed that the presence of Vietnamese press offices in Laos vividly demonstrates the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between the two nations, as the press is not only a means of communication but also an important bridge for spreading consciousness about the history, values, and strategic depth of the Laos – Vietnam relationship to the people of both countries and the international community.
The country is willing to participate in collective efforts to promote cooperation and mobilise resources to advance the current priority issues of developing countries, such as trade, investment, infrastructure connectivity, making the most of scientific and technological advances for development, and people-to-people exchanges, Hang said.
During the negotiations, the US highly evaluated Vietnam’s goodwill and efforts, affirmed its appreciation for the bilateral relationship, acknowledged Vietnam’s proposals and concerns, and considered these an important basis for continuing discussions and moving towards a final agreement.
The Chairman stressed the need for stricter fiscal discipline, faster digital transformation, and more efficient management of State budget revenues and expenditures.
The ministry has instructed Vietnamese representative agencies in Israel, Iran, as well as those in neighbouring countries, to closely monitor the situation and request local authorities to ensure absolute safety for Vietnamese citizens living, studying, and working in high-risk areas.
Senior Vietnamese leaders on June 19 sent letters of congratulations to New Zealand leaders on the occasion of the 50th founding anniversary of Vietnam – New Zealand diplomatic relations (June 19, 1975 – 2025).
The Party chief attributed the achievements in the first half to the continuous, direct, and comprehensive leadership of the Politburo and the Secretariat of the Party Central Committee, and the close and effective coordination of relevant ministries, sectors and localities.
General Nguyen Tan Cuong, Chief of the VPA’s General Staff and Deputy Minister of National Defence reaffirmed Vietnam’s unwavering gratitude for Cuba’s invaluable support during its struggle for independence and nation-building efforts, and pledged to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Cuba as it navigates current challenges.
Vietnam is a country with which Russia shares a special relationship. In the 1950s and 60s, particularly during Vietnam’s struggle for independence, the two countries forged a deep bond. While much has changed over time, the friendship and cooperation between our nations have endured, said Russian President Vladimir Putin.
For 50 years, Vietnam and New Zealand have worked together to uphold peace and prosperity for their peoples and the region. The friendship, cooperation, and mutual understanding Vietnam and New Zealand nurtured have grown from a seed into a deeply rooted, strong, and thriving tree, she stressed.
Since the Strategic Partnership was established in 2020, Vietnam and New Zealand have witnessed steady growth in the relations. Beyond the remarkable 40% increase in bilateral trade over five years, political relations and multilateral interactions, particularly within the CPTPP framework, have remained highly positive.
Known as the “four pillars for Vietnam’s ascend”, the Pobiburo's Resolutions 57, 59, 66, and 68 focus on cultivating a robust national entrepreneurial spirit, unlocking resources for innovation across society, and accelerating the development of digital economy, knowledge-based economy, green economy, and circular economy, propelling Vietnam forward rapidly and firmly on the path of modernisation and international integration.
Minister of Finance Nguyen Van Thang cleared up deputies' concern regarding how to spur socio-economic growth, renew traditional growth motives and establish new momentum for development.
Vietnam proposed several priorities: narrowing the digital divide, strengthening women’s leadership in the digital economy and AI governance, and mobilising sustainable financing for gender equality initiatives in line with each country’s national priorities and context. Vietnam also advocated for genuine women’s participation and leadership across all areas of public life.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh (L) and US Secretary of State John Kerry (Source: VNA)
