Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Daniel R. Russel confirmed that U.S. President Barack Obama’s upcoming visit to Vietnam will focus on addressing issues related to the past, present and future at a press conference on May 10 in Hanoi.
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| Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Daniel R. Russel |
Firstly, the visit affirms a strong, safe, prosperous and independent Vietnam, a nation respecting human rights and international regulations, which not only brings benefits for Vietnamese but also Americans.
The enhancement of Vietnam-U.S. relations is regarded as a crucial factor in expanding re-balancing policy in the region, which helps promote a roadmap to develop economics for both nations, in the context that Vietnam is a member of the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement.
The cooperation in national defense concentrates on maintaining international peace, issues related to humanity and coping with natural disasters. More crucially, Vietnam-U.S. cooperation in defense is aimed at raising awareness of maritime security.
Secondly, the relations between the two nations' people and people-to-people exchanges will be enhanced thanks to exchange programs, the establishment of Fulbright University in Viet Nam and the teaching of English in Vietnam.
Thirdly, the U.S. President and Vietnamese high-ranking leaders will discuss measures to address global and regional challenges. The two sides have coordinated in coping with climate change, especially the serious droughts in the Mekong River and other issues including infectious diseases and anti-terrorism.
Fourthly, the two nations will deal with consequences caused by the war. They will strengthen cooperation in bomb and mine clearance, the search of U.S. servicemen reported as missing in action (MIA) during the war and detoxification of dioxin.
Lastly, the two sides will exchange and cooperate to promote human right issues and legal reform in Vietnam.