(VOVworld) - Former US Congressman Eni Faleomavaega issued a press release Wednesday in which he reaffirms his support for Vietnam and hails Vietnam’s achievements in human rights including freedom of the press, freedom of speech, freedom of association, freedom of religion, and prisoners’ rights.

Former US Congressman Eni Faleomavaega, also former Chairman of the US House of Representatives’ Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific and the Global Environment (vna)

Faleomavaega, who is also former Chairman of the US House of Representatives’ Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific and the Global Environment, said some of his colleagues on the Foreign Affairs Committee continue to hold annual hearings using misleading information to destabilize Vietnam’s government. He said every other country and the United Nations recognize the progress Vietnam has made, adding that Vietnam is fast becoming a regional leader and it is in the interest of the US to work with, not against, Vietnam. 

The former Congressman said that with tensions increasing in the East Sea, the US needs regional allies and friends like Vietnam to stand with the US in protecting freedom of navigation in the Asia Pacific region. He commended US President Barack Obama’s upcoming visit to Vietnam and said he supports the Trans Pacific Partnership. He said he hopes the Obama administration will completely lift the arms embargo in Vietnam.