The third Vietnam-US political, security, defense dialogue took place in Hanoi on June 8.

The Vietnamese delegation to the dialogue was headed by Permanent Deputy Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh while the US side was led headed by Assistant Secretary of State for Political-Military Affairs Andrew J. Shapiro.

This was an annual dialogue on political and security issues of mutual and regional interest, with the participation of officials from foreign affairs, security and defense agencies from both countries aimed at boosting mutual trust and understating between Vietnam and the US .

Participants exchanged views on bilateral cooperation and potential for future cooperation to boost bilateral relationship.

They discussed regional and global security situation, non-proliferation, counterterrorism, counternarcotics, trans-national crimes, disaster relief, maritime security, search and rescue, ship visits and peacekeeping.

They also discussed ways to further cooperate in accounting for each other’s missing persons from the war, resolving issues related to agent orange/dioxin, addressing contamination by unexploded ordinance, and to meet the challenges of climate change and rising sea levels, as well as exchange of high level visits to further enhance friendship and cooperation between the two countries.

Taking place at a time when the two countries are celebrating the 15 th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties, the dialogue was believed by both sides to contribute to enhancing friendship and cooperation between Vietnam and the US on the basis of mutual respect and with the common goal of a Southeast Asia and Asia-Pacific region of peace, stability and security.

Source: Vietnam+