Minister Bui spoke highly of the positive developments in the bilateral ties, affirming the Viet Nam regards the U.S. as an important partner.
The minister suggested the Congress facilitate the bilateral trade-investment ties towards stable and sustainable growth and allocate more resources to assist Viet Nam in overcoming war consequences, responding to climate change, and developing high-quality human resources.
Bui also took the occasion to thank the Oregon National Guard for supporting the Vietnamese Ministry of National Defense’s Military Hospital 175 to establish the first international trauma life support training center in the country, serving the training of local medical staff for the United Nations peacekeeping operations.
In reply, Senator Merkley highlighted the U.S. Congress’s strong support for the U.S.-Viet Nam comprehensive strategic partnership and its consistent asistance for a strong, independent, self-resilient, and prosperous Viet Nam.
Regarding regional and international issues of mutual concern, Merkley said that the U.S. values and supports the centrality of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in the regional architecture and will further foster the US-ASEAN comprehensive strategic partnership and U.S.-Mekong partnership./.