Việt Nam and US hold a defence policy dialogue in Washington DC on Wednesday (local time). — VNA/VNS Photo

WASHINTON DC — The Việt Nam-US defence policy dialogue was held at the US Department of Defence in Washington DC on Wednesday (local time), discussing regional and international issues of mutual concern and measures to boost cooperation in the future.

The dialogue took place under the chair of Vietnamese Deputy Minister of National Defence Sen. Lieut. Gen Nguyễn Chí Vịnh and US Assistant Secretary of Defence Randall Shriver.
Vịnh spoke highly of the efforts made by both sides in implementing the dioxin detoxification project at Biên Hòa airport, which kicked off on December 5.

He thanked the US side for transferring the second Hamilton-class cutter to Việt Nam, supporting the nation in the UN peacekeeping mission, as well as helping the Vietnamese Coast Guard improve law enforcement capacity.
He suggested both sides step up current cooperation, especially the dioxin remediation work to ensure the project will be completed in accordance with its schedule.
Vịnh used the occasion to introduce Việt Nam’s 2019 White Paper on National Defence, and the country’s initiatives in the ASEAN Year 2020, asking the US to support Việt Nam so the country could successfully complete its role as ASEAN Chair next year.
Randall Shriver affirmed the US always values the comprehensive partnership with Việt Nam, and hopes for a strong, independent and prosperous Việt Nam with an increasingly important role in the Indo-Pacific region.
As defence cooperation has been a highlight in the Việt Nam – US relations, he pledged further collaboration with Việt Nam to develop the defence ties in a more result-oriented and effective fashion in the future, particularly in maritime security, UN peacekeeping activities and humanitarian aid.
The US sees settlement of war consequences as a focus and the foundation of the defence cooperation, he said, expressing his gratitude for Việt Nam’s support in the search for missing servicemen.
He stressed the US recognises and backs Việt Nam’s initiatives in the ASEAN Year 2020, and as a member of the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting Plus (ADMM+), the US will enhance cooperation with ADMM+ member states in order to develop the ADMM+ in a practical manner, contributing to regional peace, stability and development.
Việt Nam and the US will mark the 25th anniversary of their diplomatic relations in 2020; therefore, the two sides will organise celebration activities in the field of defence in line with programmes agreed by leaders of both nations.
In the framework of the dialogue, Vịnh paid a courtesy visit to Senator Patrick Leahy, the ranking member of the Appropriations Committee of the US Senate; and met US Assistant Secretary of State Christopher Ashley Ford.
He also had working sessions with UN Under-Secretary-General for Operational Support Atul Khare on Thursday. — VNS