Vietnam asked the US to limit extreme trade defense measures

Receiving Admiral Samuel Paparo, Commander of the US Pacific Command (USPACOM) on the afternoon of August 5 at the Party Central Committee Office, General Secretary and President To Lam affirmed that Vietnam considers the US one of its top strategic partners, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The General Secretary and President asked the US to soon end investigations under Section 301 and limit extreme trade defense measures that could affect the overall relationship between the two countries. The Head of the Party and State also agreed with President Donald Trump to soon end negotiations on the Reciprocal Trade Agreement.

The General Secretary and President proposed that the two sides promote mutually beneficial cooperation in science and technology, emphasizing that achieving a breakthrough in science and technology development, innovation and national digital transformation is Vietnam’s priority in implementing strategic growth goals.

Regarding defense and security cooperation, the General Secretary and President proposed that the US maintain and expand support for Vietnam to overcome the consequences of war, strengthen projects to improve assessment capacity and provide records and documents, to speed up the process of searching, gathering and identifying the remains of Vietnamese martyrs.

Vietnam is committed to creating the most favorable conditions for the search for American soldiers missing during the war.

Admiral Paparo, on behalf of President Trump, thanked Vietnam for being one of the first countries to soon join the Peace Council initiative. The Admiral affirmed that the US attaches great importance to promoting relations with Vietnam, appreciating Vietnam’s growing international position and prestige.

USPACOM Commander agreed on measures to promote relations between the two countries, pledging that USPACOM will continue to coordinate with Vietnam to implement humanitarian cooperation programs, disaster relief, and improve law enforcement capacity at sea.

US officials reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Vietnam in overcoming the consequences of war, accompanying Vietnam in the 500-day and night campaign to search, gather and identify the remains of Vietnamese martyrs.

Both sides emphasized the importance of ensuring peace, security, safety and freedom of navigation and aviation, and supported the resolution of disputes by peaceful means, on the basis of international law, especially the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

In June, General Secretary and President To Lam received Mr. Hung Cao, acting Secretary of the US Navy, expressing confidence that bilateral relations will continue to develop stably.

The General Secretary and President at that time asked the US to continue to maintain and expand dioxin detoxification projects, mine clearance, support people with disabilities in Vietnam, increase technology transfer, and provide information and memorabilia to help search and identify the remains of Vietnamese martyrs