HÀ NỘI — Việt Nam considers the US an important partner and wants to continue boosting the Việt Nam-US comprehensive relationship, based on a respect for each other’s political institutions and the win-win outcomes of peace, stability and development in the region.

President Trần Đại Quang made the statement at his reception in Hà Nội on Thursday for a visiting US Senate Armed Services Committee delegation, led by its Chairman Senator John McCain.

The State leader lauded and thanked Senator John McCain and US friends for making important contributions to deepening Việt Nam-US ties in the regional and global arena.

He proposed that the US congress continue supporting an end to the US Department of Agriculture’s catfish inspection programme and the acceleration of bilateral trade through importing Vietnamese commodities. He promised to bring more US goods to the Vietnamese market.

The President asked the US delegation to continue assisting Việt Nam in completing the detoxification of Đà Nẵng Airport and launch work in Biên Hòa Airport.

Both sides should also enhance co-operation in search and rescue during natural disasters and increase defence industry partnerships, he stated.

For his part, Senator McCain emphasised that the US-Việt Nam comprehensive partnership is enjoying its best era since the two countries normalised their diplomatic relations.

The senator confirmed that he will urge the US congress and government to continue co-operating with and supporting Việt Nam in implementing its Agent Orange/dioxin detoxification project, overcoming war aftermath, search and rescue, and other areas of shared interest.

He highlighted the US’ stance of favouring maritime and aviation freedom in the region, and affiliations among countries to prevent security risks to growth and stability.

Sharing McCain’s opinions, President Quang stressed that a stable environment is necessary for any country striving for socio-economic development.

Việt Nam persists in its position of settling disputes through diplomatic measures, dialogues and international law, especially the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea as well as ASEAN mechanisms such as the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea, looking toward a Code of Conduct in the East Sea.

Calls for trade support

National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyễn Thị Kim Ngân has called on the US congress to support the approval of resolutions aiming to foster economic and trade ties with Việt Nam.

Receiving Senator McCain in Hà Nội the same day, the top legislator expressed her wish that the US congress will continue backing the abolition of the US Department of Agriculture’s catfish inspection programme, which has created great barriers for Vietnamese catfish exports to the country.

Lauding positive support made by US congressmen and the tireless efforts of John McCain, the host called on the two legislative bodies to step up their exchanges and dialogues, including the activities of their friendship parliamentary groups.

She urged John McCain to continue bringing new US congressmen to Việt Nam to help them understand more about Vietnamese culture, land and people, thus better connecting the two countries.

For his part, John McCain expressed his delight to witness socio-economic development achievements in Việt Nam and progresses in US-Việt Nam relations.

He also applauded Việt Nam’s efforts and actions to promote and ensure children’s rights.

Many US congressmen said they satisfied with the joint statement for enhancing the comprehensive partnership issued during Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc’s visit to the US.

The two sides also discussed regional and international matters of shared concern, including the East Sea issue.

They stressed the importance of guaranteeing peace, stability, maritime and over-flight security and safety in the sea, and handling disputes by peaceful measures and on the basis of respecting diplomatic and legal processes, as well as international law. — VNS