US-VN relationship sees rapid development, says US diplomat

(VNA) The relationship between the US and Vietnam is pretty new, since it has been normalized just 15 years ago, but it has developed quite rapidly, said Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Scot A. Marciel.

In an interview granted to Vietnam News Agency's Washington-based reporters on Dec.16, Marciel said that it “has evolved in a relationship in which we cooperate in a very wide range of issues".

Defence chief: boost integration but maintain independence

Mon, 12/21/2009 - 10:39

Defence Minister Phung Quang Thanh has reaffirmed Vietnam’s external policy of independence along with global integration at the end of his visit to the US and France.

Thanh told Vietnam News Agency (VNA) that the Defence Ministry has established relations with 60 foreign counterparts and has sent attachés to dozens of countries. In return, over 20 countries have opened defence attaché offices in Vietnam.

East Sea security, development workshop closes

Mon, 11/30/2009 - 11:59

(VNA) An international workshop on cooperation on the East Sea wrapped up in Hanoi on Nov. 27 with 25 speeches presented and four discussion sessions held.
Addressing the closing ceremony of the workshop, Prof. Dr Duong Van Quang, President of the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam, said that scientific knowledge at the event will be a valuable reference source for policy makers and provide a more objective and comprehensive assessment of disputes in this region.

Vietnam, US continue talking human rights

(VNA) Vietnam and US discussed openly and frankly issues of mutual concern relating to human rights during the 14 th round of the annual dialogue on human rights between the Vietnam Foreign Ministry and the US Department of State in Washington on November 10.

The issues in question included regional and international human rights mechanisms, religious freedom, freedom of establishment of organisations, and freedom of expression.

The two sides also touched upon possibilities to enhance bilateral cooperation, that are suitable for each country’s requirements and capacity.

US Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defence on visit

(VNA)The US Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defence for POW/MIA affairs, Robert Newberry, during his visit here from Nov. 9-13, turned over a number of personal items believed to have belonged to Vietnamese soldiers fallen during the US War.

State President joins ASEAN-US Leaders’ Meeting

(VNA) Vietnam will continue to make active contributions to the development of the ASEAN-US relationship, both bilaterally and multilaterally, especially in 2010 when the country assumes its role as the ASEAN Chair.

State President Nguyen Minh Triet made the statement at the first ASEAN-US Leaders’ Meeting held in Singapore on November 15.

The Vietnamese State leader emphasised the importance of maintaining regular dialogues between ASEAN and the US at the highest level for the benefits of both sides.

State leader receives US ex-president Carter

(VNA) State President Nguyen Minh Triet on Nov. 18 received former US President Jimmy Carter and his wife who were in Vietnam to launch a campaign in which volunteers build houses for the poor. President Triet applauded the assistance from Carter, his wife Rosalynn and the volunteers of Habitat for Humanity International (HFHI) for the project to build homes for poor families. Vietnam welcomes and creates all favourable conditions for international organisations, including HFHI, to perform charitable humanitarian activities in the country, he said.

Vietnam to promote closer ties with US

(VNA) Deputy Prime Minister Truong Vinh Trong launched a two-day programme titled “Meet Vietnam” in San Francisco , California , on Nov. 15, which aims to promote cultural exchanges and economic cooperation between both countries.

The programme includes a series of cultural events, investment promotions and joint educational activities between the two countries.

Regarding U.S State Department's "International Religious Freedom Report 2009"

In response to question from the media regarding the assessment on religious freedom in Vietnam released by the U.S. State Department in the International Religious Freedom Report 2009, which covers 198 countries and territories worldwide, Ministry of Foreign Affairs' Spokesperson Ms. Nguyen Phuong Nga on October 28th, 2009 stated:

Viet Nam rejected the U.S. House of Representatives Resolution H.Res. 672

Vietnamese Foreign Ministry's Spokeswoman Nguyen Phuong Nga answered question regarding Vietnam's reaction to U.S. House of Representatives Resolution (H.Res. 672) on Internet freedom in Vietnam passed on October 21st, 2009:

Viet Nam rejected the U.S. House of Representatives Resolution H.Res. 672. Information in the Resolution is ill-founded and inobjective. The passage of a resolution in the U.S. House of Representative on an issue of Viet Nam's internal affairs is not in line with practice in international relations or with the growing Viet Nam - U.S. relations.

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