(VOVworld) - Dinh The Huynh, Politburo member and Standing member of the Party Central Committee’s Secretariat, held talks with US Secretary of State John Kerry in Washington on Tuesday.

Dinh The Huynh, Politburo member, and US Secretary of State John Kerry at a press conference following their talks (Photo: VOV)

Huynh, who is visiting the US until this Sunday at the invitation of Kerry, reiterated the Vietnamese Party and State’s policy of treasuring friendship and cooperation with the US.

He called on the two countries to foster comprehensive cooperation for development by increasing visits at all levels, expanding consultation mechanisms on issues of shared concern, and boosting the effectiveness of existing cooperation mechanisms.
He noted that economic, trade, and investment partnerships need to be enhanced to push bilateral relations forward. It is also necessary to strengthen ties in science, education, health care, environment, infrastructure connectivity, renewable energy, and climate change response.

According to Huynh, Vietnam is preparing to ratify the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) agreement, asking the US to accelerate its ratification of the deal.

He also hoped that the US will soon recognise Vietnam’s market economy, open its market to more Vietnamese agricultural products, and reduce trade barriers.

Huynh discussed human rights with Mr. Kerry, stressing that ensuring human rights is a top priority of Vietnam. Vietnam is ready to continue discussing this issue with the US in an open and constructive manner.

He said Vietnam welcomes improved US relations with Asia-Pacific countries, including ASEAN members, for peace, stability, cooperation, and development based on respecting international law and the UN Charter. He praised Secretary Kerry and the US Government’s attention to the East Sea situation.

Secretary Kerry praised the expansion of bilateral ties, especially since the historic visits by their leaders. The US values Vietnam’s position and considers Vietnam an important partner, he said.

The US pledged to implement commitments with Vietnam in prioritised areas, in line with the 2013 Joint Statement on the Comprehensive Partnership and the 2015 Joint Vision Statement.

Kerry praised relations with the Communist Party of Vietnam, calling it an important channel for developing bilateral ties.

Dinh The Huynh held talks with US Trade Representative Michael Froman. (Photo: VOV)

The same day, Huynh held talks with US Trade Representative Michael Froman and leaders of the National Democratic Institute and the International Republican Institute of the US’s Republican Party and Democratic Party.

He also visited the Vietnamese Embassy, where he briefed the embassy staff on the current situation in Vietnam and main points of the fourth session of the Party Central Committee and the second session of the 14^th National Assembly.