State President Truong Tan Sang welcomed the first-ever trip by USSecretary of Defence Ashton Carter in Hanoi on June 1, saying that hisvisit came in conjunction with the 20th anniversary of diplomatic ties.

The two countries have been looking towards thefuture, manifested by the establishment of comprehensive partnership,regular high-level exchanges with the highlight of the upcoming visit byParty General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, and meetings at the 2015United Nations forums, the President said, adding that such occasionsafford opportunities to talk about issues concerning peace and stabilityin the region and the world.

He also asked forearly conclusion of the Trans-Pacific Partnership negotiations and fullylifting ban on weapon sales to Vietnam.

Vietnam isready to continue working with the US on humanitarian issues such assearch for remains of missing-in-action US servicemen, bomb and mineclearance, Agent Orange/dioxin detoxification in Da Nang and Bien Hoa,the State leader declared.

Thanking the US for itssupport in improving the capacity of search-and-rescue forces, the hosturged the US to provide all necessary assistance to Vietnam in raisingthe capacity of maritime law enforcement forces.

Onthe East Sea issue, he stressed that Vietnam continually pursues thepolicy of building a prosperous, independent and self-reliant countrywith hope to partner with countries on the basis of solidarity andfriendship.

The host said any dispute in the EastSea should be addressed via peaceful dialogues and respect tointernational law, especially the 1982 Convention on the Law of the Seaand the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea, towardsthe formulation of a Code of Conduct in the East Sea.

Vietnam wants countries to deliver on their promises at internationalforums, including exercising self-restraint and refraining from the useof forces, he said, adding that Vietnam is steadfast to stronglyprotesting actions that may change the status quo in the East Sea formilitary purpose and violate international law.

According to him, the irrelevance of China’s self-claimed “nine-dot”line in the East Sea is complicating the issue, and Vietnam welcomes allcountries that support the country and the ASEAN’s stance on thesettlement of emerging issue in the East Sea.

Carter said US President Obama is looking forward to the upcoming visitby the Vietnamese Party chief, adding that it will be a historic visitin the history of bilateral ties.

The guest saidVietnam and the US share similar position regarding peace, security andmaritime safety in the East Sea which will be discussed more in thecoming time.-VNA