US President, PM Dung meet on margins of East Asia Summit

At the meeting, PM Dung and President Obama noted with satisfaction the considerable progress made in bilateral ties in various fields, especially since Vietnam and the US established the framework of the comprehensive partnership in 2013.

They agreed that both nations have made great strides in cooperation in economics, trade, investment, education, health, humanitarian activities and clean energy.  Dialogues on defense, security and human rights have been regularly conducted along with the active participation in the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) Agreement negotiations.

PM Dung asked the US to increase funding for Vietnam’s dioxin detoxification, support Vietnamese victims of Agent Orange (AO)/Dioxin, and the deactivation of bomb and landmine left over from the war, and lift its embargo against lethal weapon sales to Vietnam.

PM Nguyen Tan Dung meeting with US President Barack Obama on the sidelines of the 25th ASEAN Summit in Myanmar.

“Vietnam is resolved to join hands with the US and other countries to actively accelerate the TPP negotiation process on the basis of ensuring balanced interests of the concerned parties and providing developing members, including Vietnam with a reasonable transition period for the implementation of the pact.” Dung said.

President Obama reaffirmed the US commitment to augment bilateral relations in prioritized areas in the comprehensive partnership for the benefit of the two peoples.

He also expressed his delight at the two nations’ move to sign Vietnam-US civilian nuclear cooperation agreement also known as the Nuclear Cooperation Agreement 123 while believing the two countries will go ahead with expanded cooperation in economics, security-defense, education-training and cross-cultural exchange and clean energy.

President Obama said the US attaches importance to its collaboration with the Mekong Sub-region, which includes ensuring the effective and sustainable use of water resources. 

He pledged to assist Vietnam and other countries in the Lower Mekong Initiative (LMI) framework.

The two leaders also compared notes on issues of international and regional concern aiming to bolster bilateral relations and cooperation in the framework of ASEAN forums and positively contribute to the maintenance of peace, stability, security and cooperation in the region.

The Vietnamese government leader also hailed the US clear-cut stance on the need to maintain peace, stability, security and safety and freedom of navigation, peacefully resolve disputes in accordance with international law, including the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea and exercise self-restraint without changing the status quo in the East Sea.

On the occasion, PM Dung said he is looking forward to the Vietnam visit by President Obama and his spouse at an earliest date.