Speaking at a reception for visiting US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin in Hanoi on July 29, President Phuc expressed his belief that the guest’s trip will practically and effectively contribute to promoting the comprehensive partnership between the two countries in both the immediate future and long term.
Lloyd Austin briefed his host about the outcomes of his talks with Vietnamese Minister of National Defence Gen. Phan Van Giang, and his hope to continue working closely and effectively with Vietnamese agencies in the future.
The US wishes to continue witnessing the prosperous and powerful development of Vietnam, he said, voicing his delight at the US donating five million doses of COVID-19 vaccine to Vietnam in the spirit of friendship to help with its pandemic fight.
President Phuc highly appreciated the effective cooperation between the two countries’ defence ministries in the spirit of a comprehensive partnership, while lauding the outcomes of the talks between the US Secretary of Defence and his Vietnamese counterpart, during which many important collaboration contents for the coming period were agreed upon.
The State leader expressed his thanks for the valuable and timely US support given to Vietnam in pandemic prevention and control, especially its donation of five million doses of COVID-19 vaccines to the Southeast Asian country.
Vietnam wishes to continue receiving US support in access to other COVID-19 vaccine sources in order to accelerate its domestic immunisation campaign, he stated.
Highlighting the significance of bolstering defence cooperation between the two countries, the President asked for the US’ close collaboration in addressing the aftermath of the war, searching for lost and missing soldiers, clearing post-war mines and bombs, and dealing with the consequences of Agent Orange/dioxin.
He added that Vietnam also wants to get US support in relation to the issues of search, rescue, humanitarian aid, and disaster relief, as well as participation in the United Nations peacekeeping operations.
President Phuc affirmed that as Chairman of the National Defence and Security Council, he will create favourable conditions for the two countries’ defence ministries to enhance cooperation across various areas.
Vietnam backs the US to further deepen its ties with ASEAN for peace and prosperity in the region and the world, he stated.
Sharing the host’s view, US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin said the US will keep promoting its cooperation with ASEAN in maintaining peace and security in the region, as well as participating in the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting Plus (ADMM+), while pledging to facilitate stronger and more effective cooperation with ASEAN member states.
The guest noted that in the coming time, the US will continue to work with Vietnam in COVID-19 vaccine development, provide equipment to serve in Vietnam’s pandemic prevention and control efforts, and do its best to support Vietnam on the issue.
The US will also enhance cooperation with Vietnam in overcoming war aftermath, thus building and solidifying trust between the two countries, he said, thanking Vietnam for its active support in the search for the remains of US servicemen who went missing during the war.
Lloyd Austin added that the US will continue to support Vietnam in dealing with the consequences of Agent Orange/dioxin, especially with the dioxin remediation project at Bien Hoa Airbase.
He suggested Vietnam and the US study and elevate their relations to a strategic partnership in the future.
President Phuc emphasised the two sides will accelerate multifaceted cooperation to strengthen mutual trust, stating that Vietnam will do its utmost to bolster the relationship between the people of the two countries, including the programme searching for the remains of US servicemen lost during the war.
At the meeting, the State leader informed his guest about the COVID-19 fight in Vietnam with its array of drastic strong measures, including social distancing, all aiming to protect people’s health.
President Phuc took the occasion to extend his regards to US President Joe Biden, stating that Vietnam is looking forward to welcoming President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris to visit the country in the near future.
