Minister of National Defense General Phan Van Giang and US Assistant Secretary of State Michael DeSombre, in Hanoi on February 13. Photo: VOV

Meeting with visiting US Assistant Secretary of State Michael DeSombre in Hanoi, General Giang said Vietnam considers the United States one of its important partners, especially in economic and trade matters.

He expressed gratitude for the US support in addressing the consequences of bombs, mines, and chemical/dioxin contamination after the war in Vietnam, and in searching for, collecting, and identifying Vietnamese soldiers who died, went missing, or were unaccounted for during the war.

Minister of National Defense General Phan Van Giang shakes hands with  US Assistant Secretary of State Michael DeSombre. Photo: VOV

The General suggested that both sides continue to promote areas of cooperation based on agreements already signed and agreed upon by the leaders of the two Ministries of Defense. The Vietnamese Ministry of Defense continues to value and prioritize cooperation in post-war consequence remediation and hopes that the United States will continue to fulfill its commitments to support Vietnam in this field, including the additional 130 million USD for the project to treat dioxin contamination at Bien Hoa airport.

The US Assistant Secretary of State expressed his pleasure at witnessing the excellent comprehensive strategic partnership for peace, cooperation, and sustainable development between Vietnam and the United States, including defense cooperation. He reiterated the US State Department's support for Vietnam in overcoming the consequences of war and identifying soldiers missing in action during the war.