Hanoi (VNA) – PresidentNguyen Xuan Phuc received US Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry inHanoi on February 23, asking his guest to work for continuedsupport of the US Government for Vietnam in this important regard.

The host leader spoke highlyof Kerry’s efforts to help enhance the Vietnam - US relations, especially sincethe countries normalised their ties. He also applauded the significant outcomesof the recent visits to Vietnam by US leaders, especially the trip by Vice PresidentKamala Harris in August 2021, which have promoted the two sides’ comprehensivepartnership.

Kerry noted the Vietnam - US comprehensivepartnership has become increasingly substantive and fruitful since thereremains much room for their cooperation, including in climate change response, and the two countries willincrease cooperation to prepare for the UN Climate Change Conference 2022 (COP27).

He added the US can help Vietnam during the transition to cleanenergy, especially solar energy, and that it has many ideas, financial sources,and manpower to help the Southeast Asian nation with the climate change issue.

The US can also assistVietnam in carrying out digital transformation to serve socio-economicdevelopment, according to the Special Envoy.

Appreciating Kerry’sopinions, President Phuc stressed that Vietnam is working hard on climate changeresponse and has decided to put an end to coal-fired power generation by 2050.

As Vietnam needs not onlyfunding but also technology and manpower for developing wind, solar, and hydropower projects, it hopes for the US’ continued assistance, the President said.

He noted that Vietnam is facing serious impacts of the sea level rise, and asked the US to pay more attention to the lower Mekong River, which is the most vulnerable region to the problem.

Phuc said Vietnam highlyvalues the aid and commitment from the US Government, including Kerry himself,to the settlement of war aftermath. It hopes that the US side will increase thebudget for handling Agent Orange/dioxin consequences, clearing unexplodedordnance, supporting the disabled, and related issues.

Vietnam pledges to continuefully cooperating, in the humanitarian spirit, in the search for US servicemenmissing in action, he stated.

The President added Vietnamwelcomes the US’ increased cooperation in Asia-Pacific, thereby contributingmore to regional peace, stability, cooperation, and development.

He also asked Kerry to keeppromoting the US Government’s attention, resources, and finance for thecollaboration in education and training with Vietnam, along with the creation of favourableconditions for Vietnamese students in the US.

In particular, Phuc suggested the US continue investing in the Fulbright University Vietnam, which isalso the “brainchild” of Kerry./.