TPP negotiations expected to end later 2015: US Secretary of State
Visiting US Secretary of State John Kerry said he hopes that negotiations on the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) Agreement will be concluded by the end of this year.
Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh and US Secretary of State John Kerry hold talks (Source: VNA)
Visiting US Secretary of State John Kerry said he hopes that negotiations on the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) Agreement will be concluded by the end of this year.
Speaking at a press conference after his talk with Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh in Hanoi on August 7, the US official revealed that the TPP negotiations have seen progress, however, there are still remaining issues, which are expected to be solved in the upcoming negotiation sessions.
Answering reporters’ questions on the human rights issue, the US Secretary said his country and Vietnam have discussed the issue frequently and frankly since they normalised their ties 20 years ago.
Regarding the Ease Sea issue, the guest expressed the US ’s concern about the militarisation and trespass on island at the Sea, saying that he supports the settlement of disputes by peaceful measures, in diplomatic ways or through an international court.
He said Vietnam’s participation in the United Nations Peacekeeping Force is an important progress as the UN is seeking resources for its peacekeeping task.
The US Secretary also suggested future cooperation between the two countries in maritime security, humanitarian aid, disaster adaptation and issues related to boat people.
For his part, Deputy PM Minh affirmed Vietnam attaches importance to promoting human rights, citing the country’s efforts to better the legal system to promote human rights as an example.
Vietnam also joined almost all international conventions on human rights such as the UN Convention against Torture and the UN Convention on Rights of Disabilities, he said, affirming that Vietnam is willing to hold and join in human rights dialogues with other countries, including the US.
Answering a question that what are specific policies made by the two countries to accelerate the construction project of Fulbright University in Vietnam, US Secretary Kerry said the most important issues concerning the project were completed.
Stressing Vietnam’s interest in the project, Deputy PM Minh stated that education cooperation is an important field between Vietnam and the US. The construction of an international-level university as Fulbright aims to meet Vietnam ’s demand for developing high-quality human resources, which is necessary for the country’s industrialisation and global integration, he said.
Regarding Vietnam-US security and defence affiliation, the Vietnamese official said the two countries set up their comprehensive relationship in 2013 and Vietnam hopes the relation will be developed basing on building mutual political trust and exchanging high-ranking delegations between the two sides.
Vietnam wishes the US will completely remove its antipersonnel weapon embargo against Vietnam and boost security-defence ties with Vietnam in the future, Minh said, adding that Vietnam treasures the role played by the US in contributing to maintaining peace and stability in the region.-VNA
President Truong Tan Sang has told US Secretary of State John Kerry that Vietnam highly values its ties with the US and considers the country a top partner.
US Secretary of State John Kerry has highlighted remarkable achievements of the Vietnam-US cooperation since the normalisation of relations in 1995 during a conference on 20 years of bilateral ties.
The Party and State of Vietnam always attach great importance to and give top priority to the development of Vietnam–China relations. Vietnam is ready to work with the Chinese Party and State to further deepen the Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership and promote the building of the Vietnam-China community with a shared future that carries strategic significance.
Under the leadership of President Ho Chi Minh and the CPV, President Cuong said, the press has been a steadfast force on the ideological and cultural front, rallying the masses to pursue national aspirations.
NA Chairman Tran Thanh Man stressed the need to accelerate the application of artificial intelligence and smart teaching equipment, innovate teaching and assessment methods, and further improve the quality of formal education.
He also pledged that the NA will promote its ongoing supervision, making sure that every promise must lead to results, and every commitment must bring about real changes.
Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien welcomed the proposals put forward by the US side and reiterated Vietnam’s request for consideration of key areas of interest, including reciprocal tariff policies and access for Vietnamese key export products to the US market.
Deputy PM Le Thanh Long proposed countries promote shared values, including building trust, sincerity, and solidarity among nations and peoples; fostering cooperation spirit and responsible behaviour as well as upholding international law and the UN Charter; and placing people at the centre and as the goal, the key player, and the driving force of all policies.
The show, together with a grand parade to be held silmutaneously at Ba Dinh Square in Hanoi, will celebrate the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution, the National Day, and the General Staff of the Vietnam People’s Army (VPA).
In particular, in April 2023, the two sides successfully carried out a joint operation that dismantled a major organised, transnational drug trafficking ring involving both Vietnamese and Cambodian suspects.
The Vietnamese Embassy in Israel is closely coordinating with relevant local agencies to stay informed and provide the utmost support possible for Vietnamese nationals.
The launch of Thanh Nien (Young People) newspaper in 1925, even before the founding of the Communist Party of Vietnam, is considered a testament to President Ho Chi Minh’s strategic foresight and strong belief in the guiding power of the revolutionary media.
New Zealand is currently one of Vietnam’s most important partners in the region, marked by a high level of political trust, strong and reliable defence and security cooperation, and increasingly open economic, trade, and investment ties.
Party General Secretary To Lam stressed that the Central Public Security Party Committee must be fully aware of the extremely important role of the People's Public Security force in the country's new revolutionary phase, so as to guide each branch and level of the force as the nation undergoes transformation.
Addressing concerns over university education spending, Son explained that as public universities gain greater autonomy, the Ministry of Finance has scaled back recurrent state funding. “Over the past decade, as autonomy has increased, the State's support has steadily declined”, he noted
Lao Minister of Foreign Affairs Thongsavanh Phomvihane affirmed that the presence of Vietnamese press offices in Laos vividly demonstrates the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between the two nations, as the press is not only a means of communication but also an important bridge for spreading consciousness about the history, values, and strategic depth of the Laos – Vietnam relationship to the people of both countries and the international community.
The country is willing to participate in collective efforts to promote cooperation and mobilise resources to advance the current priority issues of developing countries, such as trade, investment, infrastructure connectivity, making the most of scientific and technological advances for development, and people-to-people exchanges, Hang said.
During the negotiations, the US highly evaluated Vietnam’s goodwill and efforts, affirmed its appreciation for the bilateral relationship, acknowledged Vietnam’s proposals and concerns, and considered these an important basis for continuing discussions and moving towards a final agreement.
The Chairman stressed the need for stricter fiscal discipline, faster digital transformation, and more efficient management of State budget revenues and expenditures.
Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh and US Secretary of State John Kerry hold talks (Source: VNA)
