Spokeswoman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Pham Thu Hang (Photo: An Dang/VNA)

At the ministry’s regular press briefing on Thursday, in response to reporters' question on Vietnam's reaction to the US Department of State’s annual Human Rights Reports released on August 12, which included assessment the human rights situation in Vietnam, Hang emphasized that the Party and State of Vietnam always strive to improve citizens’ living standards and entitlements, ensuring that no one is left behind.

Basic human rights and freedoms are enshrined in the Constitution, protected and promoted through specific legal instruments, and implemented in practice, Hang said.

She said Vietnam regrets that the US Department of State’s annual Human Rights Reports did not reflect Vietnam’s achievements and progress in safeguarding human rights. "The report also continues to present unobjective assessments based on inaccurate and unverified information about the actual situation in Vietnam,” said the spokeswoman.

She affirmed that Vietnam always stands ready to engage in frank and constructive discussions with the US on remaining differences to enhance mutual understanding, contributing positively to the development of the Vietnam-US comprehensive strategic partnership for peace, cooperation, and sustainable development.