Senator McCain vows to tighten Vietnam-US links

• Vietnam, US hold 7th defence policy dialogue
• Vietnam – US kick off the 7th annual naval engagement activity
• Vietnam US increase all-level dialogues

McCain said on December 2 that relations between the two countries have enjoyed progress, both bilaterally and multilaterally, giving momentum to the solidification of their comprehensive partnership.

It is necessary to capitalise on potential in economy, trade, investment, education, science-technology, energy, security-defence and people-to-people exchanges, he noted.

Senator John McCain (L) and Vietnamese Ambassador Pham Quang Vinh

Regarding international and regional matters, McCain said more cooperation is needed to ensure peace, security, safety and freedom of navigation and overflight in the East Sea on the basis of international law and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

He lauded Vietnam’s hosting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum in 2017, pledging to help the country successfully organise this event.

Ambassador Vinh delivered congratulations from Vietnamese leaders and himself to McCain on being re-elected to the US Senate. He also spoke highly of McCain’s contributions to the countries’ relations in past years.

Vinh said he hopes the US Senator will continue supporting bilateral ties in various aspects, and in regional and international issues of shared concern, thereby fostering the practical, effective and sustainable development of the Vietnam-US comprehensive partnership for the two peoples’ interests and for peace, cooperation and development in the region and the world.

At the meeting, McCain thanked Vinh for his invitation to visit Vietnam and promised to make the trip as soon as possible.