Mattis lauded Vietnam’s development achievements and the country’s increasing position and role in the region and the world.
He informed his host of effective collaboration in security-defence between the two countries, especially in participation in United Nations peacekeeping missions, military medical training, maritime security in the East Sea and law enforcement at sea.
The Vietnamese Party chief appreciated the outcomes of Mattis’s talks with Vietnamese Defence Minister Ngo Xuan Lich, and expressed his satisfaction with developments in the two countries’ ties.
He affirmed Vietnam’s consistent policy of attaching importance to the bilateral comprehensive strategic partnership, for the long-term interests of the two peoples and for peace, stability and development.
He said the US Secretary of Defence’s visit will help speed up the implementation of signed agreements.
He suggested both sides continue efforts to address war consequences, including bomb and mine clearance, environmental detoxification and search for soliders listed as missing in action, as well as strengthen mutual trust to further develop bilateral ties.
