Vietnam and the US conducted the second dialogue on Vietnam and US defense policies in Washington DC on September 20, which was co-chaired by the Vietnam’s Deputy Minister of Defense Lieutenant-General Nguyen Chi Vinh and Deputy-Assistant Secretary of Defense, Robert Scher.
Lieutenant-General Nguyen Chi Vinh granted an exclusive interview on the results of the dialogue to Radio the Voice of Vietnam.
Reporter: Could you sum up the main content of the dialogue?
Mr Vinh: According to the agreements reached by the two defense ministries, Vietnam and the US have annually conducted the dialogue since 2010. The first dialogue took place in Hanoi last year and the second in Washington DC this year.
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| Deputy Minister of Defense Lieutenant-General Nguyen Chi Vinh |
On these occasions, Vietnam and the US discussed international and regional issues of mutual concern to national defense and security and reviewed the results of bilateral defense cooperation to build up mutual trust and understanding for the sake of peace and security in the region.
Reporter: Did you find anything new compared with the first dialogue in Hanoi?
Mr Vinh: This time, the US made a stronger commitment to supporting and cooperating with Vietnam in overcoming the war consequences, especially the clearance of landmines. The Vietnamese side also affirmed its willingness to join the US in the search for Americans Missing-in-Action (MIA) during the war.
On this occasion, Vietnam handed over six dossiers concerning the sites for bilateral search to the US and received thanks from the US Department of Defense.
Reporter: Which issue did the two sides reach a high consensus on? Did you see the existence of any differences in the dialogue?
Mr Vinh: The most important agreement reached by both sides is on building bilateral defense cooperation in line with the principles of respect for independence, self-control and territorial sovereignty for the benefit of each country and for peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region as a whole.
The second agreement is related to many issues of mutual concern including cooperation in overcoming the war consequences and handling non-traditional security affairs.
Of course, there remained some differences and both sides showed respect for such differences hoping that they will not hinder the development of bilateral defense cooperation between Vietnam and the US.
Reporter: During the dialogue, both sides signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on defense cooperation. Could you elaborate on the content and significance of the MoU?
Mr Vinh: Regarding defense cooperation, Vietnam has signed a number of MoUs with other nations such as India, China, Australia, New Zealand, Cuba and some ASEAN countries.
The MoU between Vietnam and the US provides a framework for bilateral cooperation in overcoming the war consequences, conducting research and training activities, ensuring maritime security, exchanging experiences and information as well as maintaining peace in the region.
Reporter: What is your opinion on the results of the second dialogue?
Mr Vinh: We think both countries achieved good results this time. First, they had an opportunity to discuss issues of mutual concern including common views and outstanding differences.
Second, the signing of the MoU reflects the openness and transparency of bilateral defense cooperation. It also affirms Vietnam’s independence and sovereignty in defense cooperation for the benefit of both countries and for the sake of peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region.
Reporter: Thank you very much!
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