PM Nguyen Tan Dung (R) and US Secretary of State John Kerry, New York, September 27, 2013 - Photo: VGP

PM Dung affirmed that Viet Nam attaches importance to consolidating and enhancing cooperation with the US for peace, stability, and development in each country, the region and the world.

He asked the US to reduce trade barriers and soon recognize Viet Nam’s market economy.

PM Dung urged the US to continue enhancing its efforts in assisting Viet Nam to overcome the war legacy, especially Agent Orange/Dioxin issue as its heavy consequences have still affected human health and the environment.

Regarding human rights issue, PM Dung said that Viet Nam and the US have set up a dialogue mechanism on the basis of cooperative and constructive spirit and mutual understanding, not to make it an obstacle in the bilateral ties.

The Vietnamese leader also praised coordination between the two countries at regional and international forums like ARF, APEC, ADMM+, EAS among others, highly valuing the Lower Mekong Initiative (LMI) which has helped narrow development gap and protect the environment in the sub-region, contributing to peace, stability, cooperation and development in the region and the world.

Secretary of State Kerry expressed his belief that the relations between Viet Nam and the US would continue to flourish, especially in such fields like economics, trade and investment.

He said President Barack Obama would like to thank Viet Nam for its strong commitment to and active efforts in TPP negotiation process.

Mr. Kerry also pledged to spare no effort to assist Viet Nam in dealing with the war legacy./.

By Hai Minh