Deputy Foreign Minister Ha Kim Ngoc and US Assistant Secretary of State for Political-Military Affairs Jessica Lewis (Photo: Vietnamese Foreign Ministry)

During the talks on Thursday, the two sides praised the rapid and practical expansion of the Vietnam-US ties bilaterally, regionally and globally on the principle of respecting each other’s independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity and political regime.

Mr. Ngoc said Vietnam always considers the US one of its most import partners while Jessica Lewis reiterated the US’s consistent support for a strong, independent, and prosperous Vietnam.

The two sides acknowledged the development of bilateral defense cooperation, security, law enforcement, and efforts to overcome war aftermaths. They agreed to further promote bilateral defense ties in a steady manner and in line with interests, conditions and policies of each country and expand cooperation in cyber security, anti-transnational crimes, and participation in UN peacekeeping missions.

Vietnam, US hold 12th Political, Security, Defense Dialogue (Photo: Vietnamese Foreign Ministry)

The two are determined to maintain cooperation in mine action, dioxin decontamination, support for war-affected people, and search and rescue. The US reaffirmed its commitment to continue assisting Vietnam in improving its maritime, law enforcement and forensic capabilities through training and equipment transfer.

Discussing global and regional issues of mutual concern, the US said it supported ASEAN’s central role in the regional security architecture. Vietnam and the US agreed to promote creative, practical ways to boost the Mekong-US partnership in the coming time.

On the sideline of the dialogue, Mr. Ngoc had meetings with leaders of the US’s Department of State, Department of Defense, National Security Council, congressmen and representatives of US businesses.