(VOVworld) – On Tuesday, Vietnam and the US adopted a joint vision statement on the occasion of an official visit to the US by General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong from July 6-10.

General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong had talks with US President Barack Obama at the White House on July 7. (Photo: VNA)

Both countries are committed to maximizing shared interests and cooperation for the benefit of both peoples, contributing to peace, stability, cooperation, and prosperity in the Asia – Pacific region and the world. Vietnam and the US agree to strengthen political and diplomatic relations, increase exchanges at high levels, expand bilateral consultations to build trust and improve cooperation, enhance economic, trade, and investment cooperation, and deepen cooperation in science and technology, education, training, health, environment, and law enforcement. The United States and Vietnam expect to work in close coordination with the other negotiating parties to conclude the ambitious and comprehensive Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) agreement as soon as possible and to carry out whatever reforms may be necessary to meet the high standards of the TPP agreement, providing a new impetus for regional economic cooperation and contributing to cooperation and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region. The United States applauds Vietnam’s progress in economic reforms and affirms continued support for and constructive engagement with Vietnam, and the United States notes Vietnam’s interest in pursuing market economy country status.

Both countries pledge continued support for the promotion and protection of human rights and support the maintenance of positive, frank, and constructive dialogue on human rights to improve mutual understanding, and reduce differences. The United States and Vietnam are committed to enhancing cooperation in regional forums, such as the Asia – Pacific Economic Cooperation forum, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Regional Forum, the Lower Mekong Initiative, and the East Asia Summit, and recognize the importance of a united and strong ASEAN, and ASEAN’s central role in the regional political and security architecture and the United States – ASEAN Strategic Partnership. Both countries are concerned about recent developments in the East Sea that have increased tensions, eroded trust, and threatened to undermine peace, security, and stability. They recognize the imperative of upholding the internationally-recognized freedoms of navigation and overflight; unimpeded lawful commerce, maritime security and safety; refraining from actions that raise tensions; and ensuring that all actions and activities comply with international law.

(Photo: AFP)

Vietnam and the US reached several agreements such as: the Agreement between the government of Vietnam and the government of the US for the avoidance of double taxation and the prevention of fiscal evasion with respect to taxes on income (DTA) and the Protocol to the DTA; the Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of National Defence of Vietnam and the Department of Defense of the United States on United Nations peacekeeping cooperation; the Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development of Vietnam and the United States Agency for International Development regarding the Emerging Pandemic Threats Program and the Global Health Security Agenda; and the Grant Agreement between the United States Trade and Development Agency and the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam.