Vietnam, US look to further defence ties: spokesperson
Vietnam, US look to further defence ties: Foreign Ministry spokesperson
The visit to Vietnam by US Secretary of Defence Mark Esper on November 20-21 aims to deepen the bilateral defence ties in a practical and effective manner, said Vietnamese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Le Thi Thu Hang.
Vietnamese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Le Thi Thu Hang (Source: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) – The visit to Vietnam by USSecretary of Defence Mark Esper on November 20-21 aims to deepen the bilateraldefence ties in a practical and effective manner, said Vietnamese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Le Thi Thu Hang.
The visit looks to promote the implementationof defence cooperation agreements signed between the two defence ministries andofficials of the two countries, towards strengthening the Vietnam-USComprehensive Partnership, Hang said at the ministry’s regular press conferenceon November 21 in Hanoi in response to reporters’ questions about results ofthe Vietnam-US cooperation.
She said that the comprehensive partnership has developed in many fields inrecent times, including security and defence cooperation.
The two sides have continued promoting bilateral defence link, includingmaritime security cooperation and enhancement of maritime law enforcementcapacity, contributing to maintaining peace, stability, cooperation anddevelopment in the region and the world, Hang stressed.
This is the first official visit to Vietnam by Esper as US Secretary ofDefense at the invitation of Defence Minister General Ngo Xuan Lich.
During his stay, Esper held talks with Defence Minister Lich, during which thetwo sides agreed to step up cooperation inaccordance with the contents of the memorandum of understanding on promotingdefence collaboration signed in 2011, the joint vision statement on defencecooperation inked in 2015 and the cooperation plan for 2018-2020 between thetwo defence ministries, focusing on delegation exchange, consultation anddialogue mechanisms and joint work to address post-war consequences.
Hang said theUS is one of Vietnam's main partners in efforts in settling post-war consequencesalong with other countries such as Canada, Japan, the Republic of Korea and theUK, as well as international organisations like the UN Development Programmeand the UN Children's Fund.
The Defence Ministry of Vietnam and the US Agency for InternationalDevelopment (USAID) completed detoxificationat Da Nang airport, and the US pledged to continue funding for dioxin remediationat Bien Hoa airport.
Vietnam and the US will also further promote cooperation in searching for missing-in-actionservicemen, said Hang./.
Defence Minister General Ngo Xuan Lich on November 20 held talks with US Secretary of Defence Mark Esper, who is on an official visit to Vietnam from November 19 to 21.
US Secretary of Defense Mark Esper affirmed the US has attached importance to its comprehensive partnership with Vietnam while delivering a speech at the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam in Hanoi on November 20.
Politburo member and permanent member of the Party Central Committee’s Secretariat Tran Quoc Vuong on November 20 received US Defence Secretary Mark Esper, who is now on a working visit to Vietnam.
Vietnam highly values comprehensive partnership with the US, considering it one of the country’s top important partners, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc told visiting US Secretary of Defence Mark Esper during a reception in Hanoi on November 20.
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.
The ministry has instructed Vietnamese representative agencies in Israel, Iran, as well as those in neighbouring countries, to closely monitor the situation and request local authorities to ensure absolute safety for Vietnamese citizens living, studying, and working in high-risk areas.
Senior Vietnamese leaders on June 19 sent letters of congratulations to New Zealand leaders on the occasion of the 50th founding anniversary of Vietnam – New Zealand diplomatic relations (June 19, 1975 – 2025).
The Party chief attributed the achievements in the first half to the continuous, direct, and comprehensive leadership of the Politburo and the Secretariat of the Party Central Committee, and the close and effective coordination of relevant ministries, sectors and localities.
General Nguyen Tan Cuong, Chief of the VPA’s General Staff and Deputy Minister of National Defence reaffirmed Vietnam’s unwavering gratitude for Cuba’s invaluable support during its struggle for independence and nation-building efforts, and pledged to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Cuba as it navigates current challenges.
Vietnamese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Le Thi Thu Hang (Source: VNA) 
