US National Security Adviser Robert O’Brien speaks to Sunday meeting at the Government Guest House in Hà Nội with students, lecturers and postgraduates from the Diplomatic Academy of Việt Nam. — VNA/VNS Photo Lâm Khánh

HÀ NỘI — The US wants to promote the comprehensive partnership with Việt Nam in a stable and sustainable manner, based on mutual respect for each other’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity and political institutions, said US National Security Advisor Robert O’Brien.

He was speaking during a meeting at the Government Guest House in Hà Nội with students, lecturers and postgraduates from the Diplomatic Academy of Việt Nam (DAV) during his official visit on November 20-22.

O’Brien affirmed the US supports a strong, independent and prosperous Việt Nam, and expressed his admiration for Việt Nam’s history and culture, as well as lasting impression on a dynamic and hospitable country.

Looking back at progress in the bilateral relations in the past 25 years, he spoke highly of their cooperative achievements in the fields of politics-diplomacy, defence-security, economy-trade, settlement of war consequences, and people-to-people exchanges.

He said that 25 years ago, the two nations set aside a difficult history, and established a friendship which has grown into a strong and comprehensive partnership, rooted in trust and understanding.

Over the past quarter of a century, Americans and Vietnamese have traded and invested in each other’s countries, creating countless jobs for people of the two nations, said the National Security Adviser.

He particularly stressed the flexible organisation of activities to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the diplomatic relations during the COVID-19 pandemic and thanked Việt Nam for its support in the search for US servicemen missing since wartime in Việt Nam.

The US will continue with projects on dioxin detoxification, bomb and mine clearance, support for people with disabilities, and search for remains of Vietnamese soldiers, making a contribution to increasing trust between the two nations.

Both countries are working closely to combat transnational crime and wildlife trafficking, strengthen water security, and increase energy security following the launch of the Mekong-US Partnership in September.

“As we have overcome the legacies of war, we have created opportunities for our children to grow while strengthening our bonds," he said. 

"One example of our partnership is the fact that nearly 30,000 Vietnamese students now study in the US."

He also congratulated Việt Nam on successfully performing the role of ASEAN Chair in a very tough year, saying the US backs the ASEAN’s central role and will continue to develop the ASEAN-US strategic partnership and Mekong-US partnership.

Hailing the roles of Việt Nam as the ASEAN Chair 2020 and a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council during 2020-2021, O’Brien hoped both nations will enhance coordination in addressing common challenges, contributing to maintaining peace, stability, security and development in the region and the world.

“The US values Việt Nam’s partnership and close coordination on shared strategic concerns, including upholding peace and stability in the South China Sea and the Mekong,” he added.

“We share a deep commitment to an Indo-Pacific rooted in rules of respect, fairness, and principles of international law such as sovereignty and freedom of navigation,” he said.

The US national security advisor engaged in talks with DAV students, lecturers and postgraduates on the Việt Nam-US relations, and many regional and international issues. — VNS