Party, State leaders receive former US President Bill Clinton

Clinton stressed his delight at progress in bilateral relations, especially in the two-year implementation of the comprehensive partnership, reaffirming that the US treasures and wishes to further enhance its multi-faceted co-operation with Vietnam.

He commented on the need to increase exchanges of high-ranking delegations, highlighting the importance and historic significance of the upcoming US visit by the Party chief.

The Party leader appreciated contributions made by the former President and his wife Hillary Clinton in removing trade embargos as well as in normalising and boosting relations with Vietnam.

He appreciated the support of the Clinton Foundation for Vietnam's efforts in alleviating poverty, addressing war aftermaths and protecting the environment.

He affirmed the Vietnamese Party and State's consistent policy of treasuring and enhancing the Vietnam-US relations for the long-term interests of the two peoples.

The host and guest also exchanged views on several regional and international issues of mutual concern.

On the same day State President Truong Tan Sang received the former US President, speaking highly of joint efforts in addressing war aftermaths, intensifying co-operation in defence security and realising trade commitments.

President Sang valued the former US President's view on resolving East Sea-related issues through peaceful measures in accordance with international law and the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea as well as working towards the formation of a Code of Conduct in the East Sea.

Clinton stated that the US attaches importance to its ties with Vietnam and that it would continue its assistance to the country across sectors.

Regarding the East Sea issue, he suggested that the parties involved ought to maintain respect for each other, sharing responsibility and addressing dissimilarities through full-participation dialogues as well as avoiding any actions that could potentially cause conflict.

After 20 years of normalised bilateral diplomatic ties, trade has seen positive growth, Clinton said, adding that Vietnam holds a strategic position and has significant potential for economic development.

He expressed his hope for the early completion of negotiations on the Trans-Pacific Partnership agreement, saying that once signed, Vietnam would see more advantages during economic integration.

(Source: Nhandan Online)