Visiting Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell has said the U.S. government is committed to supporting Vietnam in developing into an independent and strong country with sustainable growth. Secretary Jewell made the statement during her meeting with Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung in Hanoi on Tuesday as part of her visit to Vietnam, according to the Vietnam News Agency. PM Dung appreciated the U.S. secretary’s visit, saying it significantly contributes to the development of the two countries’ ties. He also highly valued the outcomes of the working sessions between the secretary and Vietnamese officials. The Vietnamese government chief affirmed that Vietnam consistently wishes to work with the U.S. for the effective development of the bilateral comprehensive partnership for mutual interests and for peace, stability, cooperation and growth.

Regarding the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) agreement, PM Dung urged both sides to step up their negotiations with necessary flexibility as President Obama had said in previous meetings with Vietnamese officials. The TPP pact will not only boost economic, trade and investment ties but also form a foundation for the sustainable and long-term development of the bilateral relations, the premier said. 

He expressed hopes that the U.S. will strengthen cooperation with Vietnam in education, training, science, technology, defense, security, and culture, and help the Southeast Asian country deal with the impacts of dioxin and war-left unexploded ordnance, protect wild animals, and respond to climate change.

Secretary Jewell said that there are many potential fields for collaboration between Hanoi and Washington. She also praised Vietnam’s commitments to combat wildlife trafficking, and affirmed that the U.S. is willing to support, cooperate and share information with the country in this field.

Washington will also coordinate with Hanoi in encouraging the sustainable use of water resources and adapting to climate change, she said.

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