 |
He said he is pleased with the development of bilateral ties and hopes that both countries will continue implementing the memorandum of understanding on defence cooperation signed in 2011.
Panetta said the US government wants to raise the bilateral relationship to a higher level for mutual benefit.
Highlighting the positive changes since Vietnam-US diplomatic ties were established in 1995, PM Dung stressed that Vietnam considers the US its leading partner and hopes the country will continue contributing to maintaining peace, security, stability, cooperation and development in the Asia-Pacific region.
Vietnam is willing to work together with the US to boost cooperation in economics, trade, investment, science, technology, education and training. It also aims to cooperate in dealing with global issues such as counter-terrorism; transnational crime; the nonproliferation of weapons of mass destruction; maritime safety and security; climate change adaptation and other issues, based on mutual respecting for each other’s independence, self-reliance and sovereignty.
The government leader also proposed that both sides make greater efforts to build mutual trust and raise their relationship to a new level.
He urged the US government to completely remove its ban on selling weapons to Vietnam and contribute more to coping with war aftermath.