 Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh welcomes US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in Hanoi on October 30. (Photo: VGP) |
The Deputy Prime Minister thanked the US Government and the Department of State for their practical and timely support to Vietnam in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the recent flood disaster in the central region, including a 2 million USD grant from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). He expressed his pleasure at the positive and comprehensive development of bilateral ties, from politics - diplomacy, economy- trade, security - defense to people-to-people exchanges.
Secretary Pompeo appreciated both countries’ efforts to strengthen and expand their comprehensive partnership on the basis of respect for each other’s independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity and political institutions.
The United States supports a strong, independent and prosperous Vietnam that plays an increasingly important role in the region, said Pompeo, adding the US is committed to maintaining stable relations and will continue to cooperate with Vietnam to promote relations in a substantial, reliable, effective and sustainable manner, contributing to security, peace, cooperation and development in the region and the world.
 Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh (R) holds talks with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in Hanoi on October 30. (Photo: VGP) |
The two sides exchanged views on measures to further deepen bilateral relations in the future, with priority given to early resuming regular delegation exchanges, strengthening humanitarian cooperation, and overcoming the consequences of war. They also agreed to facilitate the strengthening of bilateral trade and investment relations on the basis of mutual benefit.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister Pham Binh Minh suggested the United States continue to support ASEAN’s solidarity and central role, and promote the ASEAN-US strategic partnership.
Secretary Pompeo appreciated Vietnam’s role as ASEAN Chair 2020 and a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for 2020-2021. He expressed his wish the two sides continue to strengthen coordination in addressing common challenges, contributing to maintaining peace, stability, security and development in the region and the world.
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo arrived in Hanoi on Thursday for a two-day visit to mark the 25th anniversary of Vietnam-US diplomatic ties.