The virtual 2020 Vietnam-US defence policy dialogue (Photo: VNA)Hanoi (VNA) - The 2020 Vietnam-USdefence policy dialogue was held online on November 24, under the chair ofDeputy Minister of Defence Sen. Lieut. Gen. Hoang Xuan Chien and US PrincipalDeputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Indo-Pacific Security Affairs (IPSA)David F. Helvey.
The two sides affirmed that bilateral defencecooperation in the recent past has flourished in line with the Memorandum ofUnderstanding on Advancing Bilateral Defence Cooperation in 2011 and the JointVision Statement on Defence Relations in 2015, contributing to the Vietnam-UScomprehensive partnership.
In his remarks, Chien spoke highly of efforts andoutcomes achieved by the two countries in surmounting the consequences of war,particularly in the implementation of a project to clean up dioxin at Bien Hoa Airportand another to support people with disabilities from Agent Orange/dioxin,overcome the aftermath of bombs, and search for the remains of missingsoldiers.
They have efficiently worked together in helpingVietnam carry out UN peacekeeping operations and in raising the capacity ofVietnam’s Coast Guard, he added.
For his part, Helvey affirmed that the US treasuresthe comprehensive partnership with Vietnam and hopes that the country willcontinue to thrive and play an increasingly important role in the region.
The US is to continue teaming up with Vietnam inpromoting bilateral defence cooperation in existing fields, including maritimesecurity, UN peacekeeping operations, humanitarian assistance, and disasterrelief. It will continue paying heed to overcoming the aftermath of war, as itserves as a foundation for the countries’ defence ties, the official noted.
He also expressed his gratitude towards Vietnam forhelping the US search for missing soldiers, and pledged to further bolstermutual projects and cooperation activities in this regard./.
