Deputy PM, Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh holds talks with US Secretary of State John Kerry
(VOVworld) – Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh had a joint press briefing with the US Secretary of State John Kerry in Hanoi on Friday following their bilateral talks during the latter’s visit to Vietnam.
During talks, both sides discussed specific measures to boost the bilateral strategic partnership for the benefits of the two countries’ people as well as for peace, stability, and development in the Asia-Pacific. Regarding bilateral ties, both sides exchanged issues on the implementation of results reached during recent visits both countries’ leaders, especially Party leader Nguyen Phu Trong’s visit to the US last month, especially the US-Vietnam Joint Vision Statement. The two diplomats discussed measures for economic, trade, and investment cooperation. They also exchanged views on measures to boost the regional institutions’ roles in contribution to maintaining peace, stability, and development in Asia-Pacific. Mr. Minh said:
"Both countries share a lot of interests in maintaining and boosting bilateral cooperation in various fields and in maintaining an Asia Pacific region of peace, stability, and prosperity. We agreed on enhancing cooperation in issues related to regional and global economic connectivity, including an early finalization of the Trans-Pacific Partnership. I believe that the results of Mr. John Kerry’s visit to Vietnam will further boost the development of bilateral ties in the future, and I’m always ready to cooperate with the US Secretary of State for these goals."
For his part, Secretary Kerry said that once approved, the TPP will be a major step forward in comparison with the bilateral trade agreement between Vietnam and the US in 2001. He said although the TPP is an important component in bilateral agenda, but it’s not all. He said the US welcomed Vietnam’s participation in the UN peace keeping force. The US has supported Vietnam on this issue and cooperated with Vietnam in humanitarian aid and rescue operation in case of disaster. He said that at the ARF forum, several parties with territorial disputes had agreed to stop land reclamation, construction and militaralization activities in the East Sea. This is a positive step. The US urged China to participate in this initiative while territorial claims must be judged through legal procedure.