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 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