Viet Nam, U.S. should gradually expand security-defense cooperation

President To Lam hosted a reception for U.S. Ambassador to Viet Nam Marc Evans Knapper at the Presidential Palace in Ha Noi on June 13.

To conveyed sincere thanks to President Joe Biden's congratulations to him upon his election as President of Viet Nam.

Viet Nam always regards the U.S. as a partner of strategic importance and stands ready to work with the U.S. to further deepen the two countries' comprehensive strategic partnership in an effective and substantial manner on the basis of respect for independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity and each other's political regime, thus bringing practical benefits to the two nations and contributing to peace, stability, cooperation and development in the region and the world, reassured To.

He highly valued Ambassador's contributions to the Viet Nam-U.S. relations and suggested the diplomat continue efforts to further advance this fine relationship.

President To suggested the two sides continue strengthening contacts and delegation exchange at all levels and on all channels, further reinforce economic, trade and investment cooperation, and gradually expand security-defense cooperation in accordance with the two countries' aspirations.

Both countries should continue close and effective coordination at multilateral and regional mechanisms such as the UN, ASEAN, APEC while working together to draft a plan to organize events marking 30^th founding anniversary of Viet Nam-U.S. diplomatic relations, the President said.

To also asked the U.S. to continue assistance for Viet Nam in overcoming the war consequences, climate change adaptation, and high-quality human resource training.

Knapper reaffirmed the U.S. consistently supports a strong, independent, self-reliant and prosperous Viet Nam.

Nearly 30 years after the two countries established diplomatic relations, Viet Nam and the U.S. reaped important and practical progress across all domains, from politics-diplomacy, economy, trade, investment, security and defense, science and technology to settlement of war consequences, shared the Ambassador.

The U.S. attaches importance to, and supports ASEAN centrality in the regional architecture, reiterated Knapper./.