Socialist Republic of Vietnam

Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung affirmed that Vietnam pursues an external policy of diversification and multilaterlisation and wishes to befriend other countries in the interests of peace, stability and development in the world.

Deputy Prime Minister Dung was talking with the United States Pacific Commander-in-Chief Admiral Dennis Cutler Blair, during a reception in Hanoi on February 1.

Mr Dung welcomed Admiral Dennis Blair's visit, describing it as an important step in accelerating the multi-faceted co-operation between Vietnam and the US.

Deputy PM Dung said that the two armies can co-operate with each other, particularly in fighting drug trafficking and terrorism, and disposing of mines and unexploded munitions on the basis of mutual respect and benefits, and non-interference in each other's internal affairs.

The same day, Admiral Dennis Blair and his entourage paid courtesy visits to Defence Minister Pham Van Tra, Foreign Minister Nguyen Dy Nien, General Vo Nguyen Giap and Deputy Defence Minister Lieutenant General Phung Quang Thanh.

The US Pacific Command delegation wrap up their visit on February 2. (VNA)