Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh held talks with US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo in Hanoi on July 9. The two sides agreed to further enhance the Vietnam-US comprehensive partnership in the interests of the two peoples. They agreed to increase mutual visits, especially those at high levels, and continue to consider trade and investment ties as a driving force for bilateral ties. They will also actively carry out defence agreements and bolster education-training connections and people-to-people exchange. The officials applauded the successful implementation of the project on environmental remediation of dioxin contamination at Da Nang airport. Secretary of State Pompeo said the US will soon carry out a similar project at Bien Hoa airport and will further assist Vietnam to address war consequences.

On the day, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc received Pompeo. He said Vietnam will always do its best to bolster the practical relations with the US.

He said he believes that the strongly growing relations between the two countries would contribute to peace, stability, and development in the region and the world.

For his part, Pompeo spoke of the central role of ASEAN, and the oustanding role of Vietnam, in tackling regional issues.

Tꦅhe US official delivered commiꦅtments to supporting Vietnam in settling war consequences.

Previously on July 8, the visiting US official was received by Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong.-VNA