He also proposed that the US increase assistance to Vietnam in dealing with war aftermath, including dioxin remediation, support for dioxin victims, bomb and mine clearance, and search for personnel missing in action (MIA).
Nghi made proposals during his current visit to the US, starting July 21, where he met a number of politicians including Thomas Shannon, Counsellor to Secretary of State John Kerry; Tony Blinken, Deputy National Security Adviser for President Barack Obama; Patrick Leahy, President pro tempore of the US Senate and Senator John McCain.
Nghi briefed his hosts on Vietnam’s open foreign policy and affirmed that Vietnam wants to further boost cooperation with the US within the framework of the comprehensive partnership established in July 2013.
He reiterated the two countries’ determination to break with the past and look to the future, and said both sides need to take specific measures to develop bilateral relations in an effective and substantial manner, primarily in economics, trade and investment.
Nghi also said Vietnam welcomes the US’s efforts to strengthen cooperation with Asia and the Pacific, for the sake of peace, stability, and prosperity in the region.
He appreciated congress people’s contributions to Vietnam-US relations in recent times, including dialogue mechanisms between the two countries’ legislatures and cooperation between their localities.
Leaders of the US Department of State said the US values Vietnam’s role in addressing regional and international issues, as well as issues in US-Vietnam relations.
They said the US attaches great importance to Asia-Pacific in its overall strategy, and vowed to accelerate negotiations of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) agreement to end the process this year. They pledged to provide technical assistance for Vietnam to improve its capacity and flexibility in meeting TPP commitments.
US Senators spoke highly of Vietnam’s leading role in resolving regional issues and said the US Congress supports the government in promoting relations with Vietnam.
US officials expressed their concern over recent tensions in the East Sea after China placed its oil platform Haiyang Shiyou-981 in Vietnam’s exclusive economic zone and continental shelf.
They said the US has its interest in maintaining peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region, including freedom, safety and security of navigation in the East Sea. They appreciated Vietnam’s recent efforts to prevent confrontations and disputes in the region.
