President Luong Cuong receives US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth

President Luong Cuong welcomed the visit of Minister Pete Hegseth, expressing his belief that the visit will contribute significantly to realizing the commitments between the two countries' senior leaders, promoting the Vietnam-US Comprehensive Strategic Partnership to develop more practically, effectively and sustainably, in the context of the two countries celebrating the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations.

The President affirmed that Vietnam consistently implements an independent, self-reliant, diversified, and multilateral foreign policy; is a friend and reliable partner, an active and responsible member of the international community; maintains the "Four No's" defense principle, and contributes to peace , stability, and cooperation in the region and the world.

Overview of the reception. (Photo by Thuy Nguyen)

Appreciating the results of the talks between Minister Pete Hegseth and Minister Phan Van Giang, the President welcomed the two sides' agreement to increase dialogue, consultation, and delegation exchanges to promote defense cooperation, especially in the fields of maritime security, humanitarian aid, United Nations peacekeeping, defense industry, technology transfer, and human resource training, in the spirit of trust, equality, and mutual respect, in accordance with international law, making positive contributions to peace, stability, cooperation, and development in the Asia-Pacific region.

The President thanked the United States for its close cooperation with Vietnam in handling the consequences of bombs, mines, and Agent Orange/dioxin; and suggested that the two sides continue to coordinate effectively in searching for and identifying Vietnamese martyrs as well as US soldiers missing in action, and increase support for war victims in Vietnam.

The President asked the US side to coordinate in soon arranging President Donald Trump's visit to Vietnam, considering this a new historical milestone in bilateral relations, creating momentum to promote strategic cooperation between the two countries.

Delegates attending the reception. (Photo: Thuy Nguyen)

The US Secretary of War expressed his pleasure in his official visit to Vietnam and thanked the leaders of the Party, State and Ministry of National Defense of Vietnam for their warm welcome. On behalf of the US Government, Secretary Pete Hegseth expressed his condolences for the recent flood damage in the north-central provinces of Vietnam.

The Minister affirmed that the United States attaches importance to the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with Vietnam, highly appreciates Vietnam's growing role and position in the region and the international arena, and is committed to further promoting the Vietnam-US relationship, especially in the defense field.

The Minister affirmed that the United States supports a strong, independent, and prosperous Vietnam, which continues to play a key role in peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

The Minister emphasized that the United States will continue to closely coordinate with Vietnam in overcoming the consequences of war, supporting mine clearance, dioxin detoxification, searching for and identifying Vietnamese martyrs, and wishes to expand cooperation in the fields of defense industry, maritime security, training and capacity building in areas of mutual interest.

Discussing regional issues, the two sides expressed support for ASEAN's common stance on the East Sea, especially the principle of ensuring freedom and safety of navigation and aviation, and settling disputes by peaceful means on the basis of international law, especially the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

Xuan Ky

Source: https://nhandan.vn/chu-tich-nuoc-luong-cuong-tiep-bo-truong-bo-chien-tranh-hoa-ky-pete-hegseth-post920018.html