Vietnam wants to strengthen cooperation with US in regional mechanisms

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Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh (R) receives Senator Cory Gardner, Chairman of the Subcommittee on East Asia, the Pacific and International Cybersecurity Policy, on May 28 (Photo: VNA)

At the meeting on May 28, the two sides spoke highly of the progress in their countries’ relations, which can be seen in Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc’s official visit to the US and President Donald Trump’s State visit to and participation in the APEC Economic Leaders’ Week in Vietnam.

They also applauded the increase of mutual visits between the two parliaments, which they said has helped boost mutual understanding and cooperation in different fields.

Deputy PM Minh asked the US Congress to step up delegation exchanges at all levels and continue working effectively with Vietnam to promote the focal role of economic and trade partnerships in bilateral links as well as to address post-war consequences.

The US plays an important role in maintaining peace, stability, cooperation and development in the region, he stressed, urging stronger collaboration between Vietnam and the US in regional mechanisms to consolidate the central role and unity of ASEAN and strengthen the ASEAN-US strategic partnership.

Hailing Vietnam’s recent development, Senator Cory Gardner said as Chairman of the Subcommittee on East Asia, the Pacific and International Cybersecurity Policy, he will work to foster bilateral ties in politics, diplomacy, economy-trade, and security-defence, and share lawmaking experience, thus contributing to the countries’ comprehensive partnership in the time ahead.

Gardner added he will support initiatives to reinforce the US’s connections with the ASEAN region.

He also proposed that the two sides coordinate to address regional and international issues of shared concern, including the maintenance of peace, security, safety and freedom of navigation and aviation, and respect for international law in the East Sea.