The fourth defence policy dialogue between Vietnam and the US atthe deputy ministerial level was held in Washington on October28-29.
Th discussion was co-chaired by DeputyDefence Minister Nguyen Chi Vinh and US Deputy Assistant Secretaryof Defence for South and Southeast Asia Vikram Singh.
Speaking after the function, Deputy Minister Vinh said the talks were asuccess, meeting the demands of each country and benefitting theinterests of the region.
During the dialogue, Singhreassured that despite difficulties in the budget, the commitments madeby the US in the Asia-Pacific remain unchanged.
He added that his country will continue fostering ties with its new allies and partners, including Vietnam .
The two sides reviewed the outcomes of their previous dialogue inDecember last year in Hanoi . The US side appreciated the supportof the Vietnamese Government in searching for the remains of USsoldiers listed as missing in action during the war in Vietnam ,considering this as a typical humanitarian cooperation.
During the talks, Vinh handed over four files indicating the positionsof new areas the US wishes to be searched for remains in thefuture.
Meanwhile, the US side pledged toincrease its support to Vietnam in a number of areas, includingAgent Orange/Dioxin detoxification and handling unexploded bombs andmines. The country also committed to providing information to Vietnamabout the locations of Vietnamese soldiers missing from the war.
The two sides agreed to enhance cooperation in disaster relief bysharing their experiences, with the US set to aid Vietnam to buildits capacity in this area.
A memorandum of understanding was also reached between the Maritime Police of Vietnam and the US Coast Guard force.
During the dialogue, the two sides also discussed the regionalsecurity situation and matters of mutual concern, including maritimefreedom, safety and security and potential risks threatening peace andstability in the region.
They shared the same viewthat all sea territorial disputes among East and Southeast Asian statesmust be resolved by peaceful measures through negotiations on the basisof respect to the international law. They expressed hope that Chinaand ASEAN member countries will reach a Code of Conduct in the EastSea soon.
They reached consensus on increasingcooperation in training through strengthening partnerships betweendefence academies and institutes. Cooperation between special forcessuch as the navy will be stepped up with more exchange voyages.
US Secretary of Defence Chuck Hagel is expected to visit Vietnam in2014 and plans to invite defence ministers of ASEAN member countries to ameeting in the US in April next year, Singh revealed, adding that it ishoped the Vietnamese defence minister can attend the important meeting.
Regarding defence cooperation between the twocountries as part of a wider multilateral framework, US representativessaid they highly valued the role Vietnam plays at international andregional forums, expressing desire to further their work with Vietnamand other ASEAN nations to build trust for the mutual benefit of allparties.
The US also lauded Vietnam ’sannouncement that it will officially take part in United Nations’peace-keeping operations, promising that it will offer assistance toVietnam in the work.
During their stay, the Vietnamese delegation visited a number of naval bases and the Coast Guard Force of the US.-VNA
Th discussion was co-chaired by DeputyDefence Minister Nguyen Chi Vinh and US Deputy Assistant Secretaryof Defence for South and Southeast Asia Vikram Singh.
Speaking after the function, Deputy Minister Vinh said the talks were asuccess, meeting the demands of each country and benefitting theinterests of the region.
During the dialogue, Singhreassured that despite difficulties in the budget, the commitments madeby the US in the Asia-Pacific remain unchanged.
He added that his country will continue fostering ties with its new allies and partners, including Vietnam .
The two sides reviewed the outcomes of their previous dialogue inDecember last year in Hanoi . The US side appreciated the supportof the Vietnamese Government in searching for the remains of USsoldiers listed as missing in action during the war in Vietnam ,considering this as a typical humanitarian cooperation.
During the talks, Vinh handed over four files indicating the positionsof new areas the US wishes to be searched for remains in thefuture.
Meanwhile, the US side pledged toincrease its support to Vietnam in a number of areas, includingAgent Orange/Dioxin detoxification and handling unexploded bombs andmines. The country also committed to providing information to Vietnamabout the locations of Vietnamese soldiers missing from the war.
The two sides agreed to enhance cooperation in disaster relief bysharing their experiences, with the US set to aid Vietnam to buildits capacity in this area.
A memorandum of understanding was also reached between the Maritime Police of Vietnam and the US Coast Guard force.
During the dialogue, the two sides also discussed the regionalsecurity situation and matters of mutual concern, including maritimefreedom, safety and security and potential risks threatening peace andstability in the region.
They shared the same viewthat all sea territorial disputes among East and Southeast Asian statesmust be resolved by peaceful measures through negotiations on the basisof respect to the international law. They expressed hope that Chinaand ASEAN member countries will reach a Code of Conduct in the EastSea soon.
They reached consensus on increasingcooperation in training through strengthening partnerships betweendefence academies and institutes. Cooperation between special forcessuch as the navy will be stepped up with more exchange voyages.
US Secretary of Defence Chuck Hagel is expected to visit Vietnam in2014 and plans to invite defence ministers of ASEAN member countries to ameeting in the US in April next year, Singh revealed, adding that it ishoped the Vietnamese defence minister can attend the important meeting.
Regarding defence cooperation between the twocountries as part of a wider multilateral framework, US representativessaid they highly valued the role Vietnam plays at international andregional forums, expressing desire to further their work with Vietnamand other ASEAN nations to build trust for the mutual benefit of allparties.
The US also lauded Vietnam ’sannouncement that it will officially take part in United Nations’peace-keeping operations, promising that it will offer assistance toVietnam in the work.
During their stay, the Vietnamese delegation visited a number of naval bases and the Coast Guard Force of the US.-VNA
