Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh talks by phone with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on January 6. (Photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs)

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh spoke by phone on Wednesday with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.

The two praised the close cooperation between Vietnam’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the US Department of State that has deepened the comprehensive partnership between Vietnam and the US in all areas. They welcomed activities to commemorate the 25th anniversary of their diplomatic relations despite the COVID-19 pandemic.

Minister Minh said Vietnamese ministries and agencies will continue to work closely with their US partners to ease concerns and maintain a harmonious and mutually beneficial trade balance.

Mr. Pompeo praised Vietnam’s willingness to hold exchanges, and reiterated the US’s commitment to maintain stable relations with Vietnam and support a strong, independent and prosperous Vietnam, which is playing an increasingly important role in the region.

Vietnam pledges to cooperate with the US to address concerns about Vietnam’s monetary policy and timber materials, which are being investigated by the United States Trade Representative (USTR) under Section 301 of the 1974 Trade Act.