US gives Vietnam patrol boats, increases coast guard support

According to TNHK, US Assistant Secretary of State for Political and Military Affairs Puneet Talwar said on February 4 that Washington has given Vietnam a coast guard ship as committed by Secretary of State John Kerry during his visit to Vietnam in late 2013.

Mr. Talwar also added that the US will continue to support the strengthening of the coast guard force, which Vietnam calls the marine police.

Coast Guard ship 9004. (Photo: Le Lam/VNA)

In an interview with Vietnam Television on the same day, shortly after arriving in Vietnam to attend the 7th bilateral defense, security and political dialogue, Mr. Talwar said: “We have been strengthening cooperation to help Vietnam develop its coast guard. We are very proud of that, and we also hope that our Vietnamese partners will evaluate it that way. Yes, we have provided Vietnam with patrol boats and we will continue to do that to help improve the capabilities of the Vietnamese coast guard.”

Mr. Talwar said maritime security, especially the issue of freedom of navigation, is one of the important issues in the annual Vietnam-US dialogue.

“Our visit to Vietnam is not for the purpose of selling any weapons or making any deals. This trip demonstrates the growing depth of the partnership between Vietnam and the United States.... We discussed a wide range of issues, from maritime security, peacekeeping, non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction to humanitarian issues such as the removal of unexploded ordnance in Vietnam or the issue of US soldiers missing in action during the Vietnam War. Both sides had representatives from ministries and sectors at the dialogue, which shows the growth of the bilateral relationship...” Mr. Talwar added.

"Our general policy towards Vietnam is that the United States supports a prosperous and independent Vietnam that respects human rights and the rule of law. We believe that respecting human rights will help Vietnam grow stronger," the US Assistant Secretary of State affirmed./.

According to VNA