Vietnam and the US conducted its fourth defense policy dialogue at the deputy ministerial level in Washington during October 28-29, focusing on measures to boost bilateral cooperation. The event was co-chaired by Deputy Defense Minister Nguyen Chi Vinh and US Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for South and Southeast Asia Vikram Singh.

During the dialogue, Singh said that his country will continue fostering ties with its new allies and partners, including Vietnam, and confirmed that despite difficulties in the budget, the commitments made by the US in the Asia-Pacific remain unchanged.

The US side highly valued the support of the Vietnamese Government in searching for the remains of US soldiers listed as missing in action during the war in Vietnam, considering this as a typical humanitarian cooperation between the two countries.

During the dialogue, Vinh handed over four files indicating the positions of new areas the US wishes to be searched for remains in the future.

Singh pledged that the US will increase its support to Vietnam in several fields, including Agent Orange/Dioxin detoxification and handling unexploded bombs and mines. The US will also continue to provide Vietnam with information about the locations of Vietnamese soldiers missing from the war, he added.

During the dialogue, the two sides discussed the regional security situation and matters of mutual concern, including maritime freedom, safety and security and potential risks threatening peace and stability in the region. A memorandum of understanding was also reached between the Maritime Police of Vietnam and the US Coast Guard force.

The two sides agreed that all sea territorial disputes among East and Southeast Asian states must be resolved by peaceful measures through negotiations on the basis of respect to the international law. They also expressed hope that a Code of Conduct in the East Sea will be reached by China and ASEAN member countries soon.

They reached an agreement on boosting cooperation increasing cooperation in training through strengthening partnerships between defense academies and institutes. Also, cooperation between special forces such as the navy will be stepped up.

US Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel is expected to visit Vietnam next year and plans to invite defense ministers of ASEAN member countries to a meeting in the US in April next year, Singh said.