Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc has hailed the great efforts by US Ambassador to Vietnam Daniel J. Kritenbrink in fostering the Vietnam-US comprehensive partnership in 2018, meeting practical benefits of their people and contributing to peace, cooperation and development in the region.

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc (R) hosts US Ambassador to Vietnam Daniel J. Kritenbrink.

At a reception in Hanoi on December 26 for the diplomat, PM Phuc thanked US President Donald Trump and the US Congress for providing funds for the finalization of a toxic detoxification project at Danang International Airport and the implementation of a similar project at Bien Hoa airport.

He expressed his delight at the vigorous growth of bilateral trade ties and the rapid growth of the US exports to Vietnam. He thanked the US for facilitating Vietnam’s exports of some products such as tra fish, shrimps and fruits to the highly lucrative market.

Vietnam and the US have maintained effective cooperation in regional and international issues of shared concern, he noted, while suggesting both nations should continue close cooperation in economics, trade, security, defence and international issues in the lead up to the 25th anniversary of the normalization of bilateral ties.

Kritenbrink, in turn, showed his elation at the positive development of the bilateral relationship after PM Phuc’s visit to the US and US President Trump’s trip to Vietnam in 2017.

He thanked the government and relevant agencies of Vietnam for their sustained efforts to step up bilateral relations, including the settlement of matters related to automobiles, agricultural products, e-payment and the law on cyber security raised by US enterprises.

The US diplomat assured his nation’s continued assistance for Vietnam in dealing with the war aftermath and expressed a desire to advance cooperation with the country across multiple fields, including security and defence.

He said the US regards Vietnam as a leading important partner in the region and wishes to develop its relations with Vietnam as well as the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) for regional peace, cooperation and development.

The US supports ASEAN's stance on cooperation in maintaining peace, stability, security and freedom of navigation and aviation in the East Sea, he added.

VNF/VOV