The US supports Vietnam and ASEAN’s stance on the
East Sea issue and will strive to make positive contributions to ensuring
peace, stability, navigation and aviation freedom in the East Sea, has said
US Secretary of Defence Mark Esper.

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc (R) welcomes US
Secretary of Defence Mark Esper.
Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc hosted a reception
for US Secretary of Defence Mark Esper in Hanoi on November 20, during which
Vietnam highly values comprehensive partnership with the US, regarding it as
one of the country’s top important partners.
He appreciated the outcomes of the talks between
Vietnamese Defence Minister Ngo Xuan Lich the US official, as well as the
practical and effective results of bilateral defence ties within the
framework of the bilateral comprehensive partnership and agreements by the
two nations’ leaders.
Phuc also voiced the Vietnamese Government’s support
for bilateral defence ties while suggesting that a score of measures should
be taken to effectively realize signed agreements, including the joint
statements.
Vietnam will continue fully and effectively
partnering with the US in the search for missing-in-action servicemen, he
added.
The US Secretary of Defence highlighted defence
cooperation as one of the foundations for the Vietnam – US relationship that
contributes to maintaining peace and stability, ensuring navigation and
aviation freedom in the East Sea. The US wishes to further strengthen
extensive collaboration and defence ties with Vietnam for the sake of peace
and stability in the region.
The US defence official thanked Vietnam for
assisting the US in searching for servicemen listed as missing in action
during the war, and pledged to help Vietnam in this work, as well as step up
dioxin detoxification.

He expressed readiness to back Vietnam in the United
Nations peacekeeping missions and expand joint work in other realms.
Hailing the significance of the year 2020 when
Vietnam undertakes the role of ASEAN Chair and the two countries celebrate
the 25th anniversary of the normalization of bilateral ties, the guest said
the US wants to help Vietnam fulfill its assigned tasks.
The US is appreciative of comprehensive partnership
with Vietnam and desires to augment stronger cooperation with the country,
he added.
PM Phuc proposed that both sides continue providing
mutual consultation and offer mutual support at multilateral forums,
particularly at forums hosted by ASEAN, and support defence forums held by
the Vietnamese Defence Ministry next year.
He also sought the US’s assistance in the United
Nations peacekeeping missions, especially in ensuring the operations of
Vietnam’s Level-2 field hospital in Sudan.
The Vietnamese cabinet leader assured Vietnam’s
determination to develop balanced and sustainable trade with the US, showing
confidence that with resolve and good will, the two nations will further
elevate their ties to a higher level.
PM Phuc expressed his wish to welcome the US
President, Secretary of Defence and officials to important international
events during the ASEAN Chair Year 2020.
The guest also thanked Vietnam for its assistance in
successfully holding the DPRK – US Summit in Hanoi in February. VOV