Hanoi (VNA) – Vietnam wishes to worktogether with the US – one of its leading important partners – to deepen thebilateral comprehensive partnership on the basis of respecting each other’s independence,sovereignty, territorial integrity, political institutions and differences,Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh affirmed on March 30.

Speaking at a reception for newly-appointed USAmbassador Marc Evans Knapper in Hanoi, Chinh expressed his belief that thediplomat will make more contributions to the comprehensive partnership.

Chinh noted with pleasure strides made in thebilateral ties over the past time, with economic and trade cooperationremaining a driving force.

Last year, two-way trade surpassed 100 billion USDto reach the record 111 billion USD, he continued.

The two countries have also cooperated in the COVID-19fight and post-pandemic recovery, he said, using the occasion to thank the USgovernment and people for donating tens of millions of doses ofCOVID-19 vaccines and medical supplies to Vietnam during the combat.

The PM stressed that cooperation in the settlement ofwar consequences is a bright spot in the Vietnam-US ties, which has contributedto building trust between the two peoples.

He also commended the bilateral partnership inclimate change response, education-training and national defence and security.

The PM noted his wish and belief that theVietnam-US relations will continue to develop sustainably on the principles ofsincerity, trust, respect and equality, looking towards a better future.

For his part, Knapper applauded Vietnam’s strongdevelopment across spheres, especially in COVID-19 prevention and control andpost-pandemic recovery.

The ambassador pledged to closely coordinate withVietnamese ministries and agencies to maintain regular delegation exchanges andmeetings between the two countries at all levels and channels.

Knapper said he will also work to boost the bilateraltrade and economic links, as well as cooperation in climate change response,high-quality infrastructure building, green and sustainable development,personnel training and digital transformation.

The US will make every possible effort to supportVietnam, the ambassador emphasised, expressing his belief that the SoutheastAsian nation’s programme on quick recovery and sustainable development will bea success, contributing to promoting economic recovery and development in theregion.

Knapper also reiterated the US’s wish to enhancecooperation with countries in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations(ASEAN) and Indo-Pacific, for peace, stability, cooperation and development inthe region, as reflected in the US’s new strategies and initiatives like theIndo-Pacific Strategy.

The two sides also exchanged views on ASEAN’s stanceon ensuring security, safety and freedom of navigation and aviation in the EastSea and peacefully settling disputes in accordance with international law,including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (1982UNCLOS)./.