Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung met with Secretary Kerry
Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung has affirmed that Vietnam is ready to work closely with the US in negotiations for a Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) agreement, and hopes for flexibility in the talks so that the deal can suit the development of each country.
During his meeting with visiting US Secretary of State John Kerry on December 16 in Hanoi , PM Dung proposed that the US considers the approach to Vietnam ’s specific conditions, especially garment and footwear market, in order to reach a deal acceptable for both sides.
This also suits the common view of TPP engaging countries of heading to an agreement of balanced benefit for all parties, he said.
Both host and guest expressed their delight at the progress in Vietnam-US ties over the past years, especially the acceleration of bilateral relations to a comprehensive partnership.
Highly valuing the role that Kerry plays in developing bilateral ties, PM Dung said Kerry’s visit will make positive contributions to boost cooperation between the two countries.
Regarding human rights, the Vietnamese leader said over the past years, Vietnam and the US have shared a mechanism of dialogue and settlement based on the cooperative and constructive spirit and mutual understanding.
Lauding US support in coping with climate change and managing Mekong River water resource, he suggested that the US assists countries in the field, heading to the goal of sustainable development and long-term stability in the region.
He asked the US side to remove barriers hindering bilateral trade ties, and recognise Vietnam’s market economy at an early date. He also voiced hope that the two sides will seek solutions to trade issues soon.
Mentioning the East Sea issue, the PM hailed the US support for ASEAN and Vietnam’s stance of settling disputes through peaceful measures based on international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, strictly implementing the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea, and building a Code of Conduct in the East Sea soon.
For his part, John Kerry briefed his host on the outcomes of the talks with Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh.
He said the successful negotiations for the TPP will be an important momentum fuelling cooperation between the US and Vietnam , especially in economics, trade and investment.
He affirmed his country’s keen interest in cooperation to ensure maritime security and safety and freedom in the East Sea .
He said all disputes in the East Sea must be solved by peaceful measures and respect international law.
The US Secretary of State expressed his belief that US-Vietnam ties will be further developed, especially in economics, trade and investment.
He pledged to spare no effort in helping Vietnam overcome war aftermaths and cope with climate change.-VNA
