US President Barack Obama officially announces that the US is lifting the ban on nearly 50-year-old arms embargo during his visit to Vietnam on May 23.
US President Barack Obama and Vietnam President Tran Dai Quang
"I also announce that the US is fully lifting the ban on the sale of military equipment to Vietnam that has been in place for some 50 years," the US president said. "Sales will still need to meet strict requirements including those related to human rights. But this change will ensure that Vietnam has access to the equipment it needs to defend itself and removes a lingering vestige of the Cold War."
President Tran Dai Quang said he appreciate the move as it was clear proof that the two countries had fully normalised the relation.
When being asked whether this move was aimed to counter China, Obama said it was not based on China or any other consideration but the desire to normalise relation with Vietnam which had been a lengthy process. The US has sent several naval vessels to Vietnam and wants to encourage defence co-operation.
He went on to say that the US would continue to sail where international law permits and said all nations must follow the laws and the East Sea issue must be resolved peacefully.
The lethal arms ban was partially lifted in 2014.
President Obama is the third U.S. President to visit Vietnam since the two countries normalized their relations in 1995, following Bill Clinton in 2000 and George W.Bush in 2006.
The President’s official visit to Vietnam is expected to enhance the Vietnam-U.S. comprehensive partnership, boost the implementation of high-level agreements reached by the two countries, seek measures and orientations to step up bilateral ties, and discuss regional and international issues of shared concerns.