The fourth defence policy dialogue between Vietnam and the US at
the deputy ministerial level was held in Washington on October
28-29.
The discussion was co-chaired by Deputy
Defence Minister Nguyen Chi Vinh and US Deputy Assistant Secretary
of Defence for South and Southeast Asia Vikram Singh.
Speaking after the function, Deputy Minister Vinh said the talks were a
success, meeting the demands of each country and benefitting the
interests of the region.
During the dialogue, Singh
reassured that despite difficulties in the budget, the commitments made
by the US in the Asia-Pacific remain unchanged.
He added that his country will continue fostering ties with its new allies and partners, including Vietnam .
The two sides reviewed the outcomes of their previous dialogue in
December last year in Hanoi . The US side appreciated the support
of the Vietnamese Government in searching for the remains of US
soldiers listed as missing in action during the war in Vietnam ,
considering this as a typical humanitarian cooperation.
During the talks, Vinh handed over four files indicating the positions
of new areas the US wishes to be searched for remains in the
future.
Meanwhile, the US side pledged to
increase its support to Vietnam in a number of areas, including
Agent Orange/Dioxin detoxification and handling unexploded bombs and
mines. The country also committed to providing information to Vietnam
about the locations of Vietnamese soldiers missing from the war.
The two sides agreed to enhance cooperation in disaster relief by
sharing their experiences, with the US set to aid Vietnam to build
its capacity in this area.
A memorandum of understanding was also reached between the Maritime Police of Vietnam and the US Coast Guard force.
During the dialogue, the two sides also discussed the regional
security situation and matters of mutual concern, including maritime
freedom, safety and security and potential risks threatening peace and
stability in the region.
They shared the same view
that all sea territorial disputes among East and Southeast Asian states
must be resolved by peaceful measures through negotiations on the basis
of respect to the international law. They expressed hope that China
and ASEAN member countries will reach a Code of Conduct in the East
Sea soon.
They reached consensus on increasing
cooperation in training through strengthening partnerships between
defence academies and institutes. Cooperation between special forces
such as the navy will be stepped up with more exchange voyages.
US Secretary of Defence Chuck Hagel is expected to visit Vietnam in
2014 and plans to invite defence ministers of ASEAN member countries to a
meeting in the US in April next year, Singh revealed, adding that it is
hoped the Vietnamese defence minister can attend the important meeting.
Regarding defence cooperation between the two
countries as part of a wider multilateral framework, US representatives
said they highly valued the role Vietnam plays at international and
regional forums, expressing desire to further their work with Vietnam
and other ASEAN nations to build trust for the mutual benefit of all
parties.
The US also lauded Vietnam ’s
announcement that it will officially take part in United Nations’
peace-keeping operations, promising that it will offer assistance to
Vietnam in the work.
During their stay, the Vietnamese delegation visited a number of naval bases and the Coast Guard Force of the US.-VNA