International press conference on US President's visit to Vietnam

On the morning of May 19, Vietnam time, the US State Department's International Press Center held a press conference about President Barack Obama's official visit to Vietnam from May 23-25.

US President Barack Obama. (Source: AFP)

Attending and answering questions from reporters were Director for Asian Affairs at the US National Security Council Daniel Kritenbrink and US Assistant Secretary of State for East Asia and the Pacific Daniel Russel.

Mr. Kritenbrink announced the official schedule of President Obama's visit to Vietnam. President Obama is expected to discuss with Vietnamese leaders measures to promote cooperation within the framework of the Comprehensive Partnership in a range of areas such as economic-trade cooperation, people-to-people exchange, security, human rights as well as global and regional issues of mutual concern.

Through official meetings and activities in Vietnam, President Obama wants to highlight the breadth and depth of the Vietnam-US partnership, as well as the remarkable progress the two countries have made in recent years. According to Mr. Kritenbrink, the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) Agreement will contribute to further promoting economic cooperation with Vietnam.

Regarding security and defense cooperation, Mr. Kritenbrink emphasized that Vietnam and the US are committed to promoting security in the Asia-Pacific region based on the principles of respect for peace and international law.

He said the US side wishes to continue to strengthen cooperation with Vietnam in a range of areas from education, disaster relief, humanitarian aid, peacekeeping to maritime security.

Mr. Kritenbrink affirmed that after the two countries' relationship has achieved remarkable progress over the past 20 years, President Obama's visit will lay a solid foundation for achievements in the next 20 years and beyond.

Meanwhile, Assistant Secretary of State Russel once again affirmed that President Obama's visit is truly a historic one. According to Mr. Russel, Mr. Obama's first visit to Vietnam has important significance for the Vietnam-US bilateral relationship.

He emphasized that Vietnam is a partner within the TPP agreement, as well as a partner that always complies with and respects international law, including the United Nations Framework Convention on the Law of the Sea, and peacefully resolves tensions and disputes in the East Sea. Vietnam is also a partner in protecting the Mekong River as a source of life for millions of people in several countries living along its banks./.

According to Vietnamplus