Vietnamese Ambassador to the US Ha Kim Ngoc (Photo: VNA)Ngoccongratulated Bera on his re-election as Chairman of the Subcommittee on Asia,the Pacific, and Nonproliferation, highly valuing the latter’s contributions tothe development of the US’ ties with Vietnam and other ASEAN countries.
Bothsides noted with satisfaction the great strides in the Vietnam-US ComprehensivePartnership and expressed optimism about the outlook for bilateral relations inthe time ahead.
AmbassadorNgoc proposed the US increase support for Southeast Asian countries to accessCOVID-19 vaccines, cooperate with Vietnam in transferring vaccine productiontechnology and licensing and manufacturing vaccines, and promote cooperation toensure effective and sustainable supply chains.
Forhis part, Bera applauded the Vietnamese Government and people’s success in theCOVID-19 combat and agreed to foster ties to keep supply chains stable.
Thecongressman said as a doctor, he understands the need for vaccine access forall people, adding that he will discuss with the US administration about thepossibility of cooperation in vaccine production as suggested by Vietnam.
Heagreed with Ngoc that the two countries should maintain constructive dialogueto resolve outstanding problems, including the US Trade Representative Office earlywrapping up the “Section 301” investigation and not taking any actionunfavourable for bilateral trade and investment.
Voicinghis concern about the escalation of violence and discrimination against peopleof Asian descent, including Vietnamese, Ngoc asked Bera and all-leveladministrations and parliaments, especially those in California, to carry outeffective measures to ensure security, safety, and access to healthcare,education, employment, and other social welfare services for the Vietnamesecommunity.
Beranoted that he opposes racial discrimination and pledged to keep working withVietnam and other countries to deal with this issue.
Duringthe talks, the two sides also discussed the enhancement of the ASEAN-USStrategic Partnership in some regionally important issues.
TheVietnamese diplomat applauded the US’ commitment to maintaining the fundamentalprinciples to secure rules-based maritime order, including the adherence to the1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
Hecalled on the US administration and congress to pay more attention to andreserve more resources for effectively implementing the Mekong-US Partnership.
Affirmingthe importance of the East Sea, Bera expressed his concern over the recentdevelopments in the East Sea, showing support for ensuring navigation freedom,maritime security and safety, the rule of law, as well as regional peace andstability.
Thecongressman also affirmed that his country advocates efforts by ASEAN,including Vietnam, to seek peaceful solutions to the Myanmar issue.
Inresponse to Ambassador Ngoc’s invitation, he noted the wish to visit Vietnamand the region once the COVID-19 pandemic is brought under control.
Thephone talks followed an array of recent discussions between the VietnameseEmbassy and the President Joe Biden administration and the 117th Congress of the US./.
VNA
