Viet Nam and the United States promote the State Partnership Program
On the evening of July 23, 2019, Viet Nam's Ambassador to the United States Ha Kim Ngoc and his spouse attended the reception hosted by General Joseph Lengyel, Chief of the U.S. National Guard and Madame Lengyel at Fort Lesly J. McNair, Washington D.C. The reception aims at strengthening the cooperation between Viet Nam and the U.S. under the framework of the State Partnership Program.
Attending the event, there was Major General Michael E. Stencel, Adjustant General, Oregon, and representatives of the U.S. National Guard, Departments of Defense and State. Viet Nam's Defense Attaché and some officials from the Embassy accompanied Ambassador Ha Kim Ngoc.
At the reception, General Lengyel reiterated that the U.S. and Viet Nam share strategic interests and have been actively contributing to maintain peace, security, stability, and cooperation in the Indo - Pacific region. General Lengyel emphasized that the U.S. National Guard will continue to deepen cooperation, and assist Viet Nam in capacity building for search and rescue on the sea, humanitarian relief and disaster recovery.
General Stencel highlighted the achievements of cooperation program the Oregon State Guard and Viet Nam National Committee for Search and Rescue since 2012. The search and rescue forces of Viet Nam, both at central level and local level, have treasured from experience exchanges and on site rehearse of search and rescue provided by the Oregon State Guard. The train the trainer projects in this area help Viet Nam to expend the number of the beneficial in capacity building programs.
In his remarks, Ambassador Ha Kim Ngoc reaffirmed that defense cooperation is a focus in Viet Nam - U.S. Comprehensive Partnership. Ambassador Ha Kim Ngoc thanks the U.S. National Guard and the Oregon State National Guard for their strong support and close cooperation with Viet Nam National Committee for Search and Rescue as well as provinces to enhance capabilities in developing management method, on site exercises, as well as communication skill in English.
Ambassador Ha Kim Ngoc said there are a great number of potentials for Viet Nam - US cooperation, including the State Partnership Program. Towards the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations in 2020, the two countries need to deepen cooperation on all 9 pillars, including the cooperation to search and rescue capacity building, humanitarian relief, and disaster recovery./.
