VietNamNet Bridge – Vietnam and the United States wrapped up the first strategic dialogue on political, security and defence issues on Monday, it was announced at a press conference in Hanoi.

US Assistant Secretary of State Mark Kimmitt (L) and Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Foreign Relations Pham Binh Minh (R) at the press conference. (Photo: Truong Son) .

Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Foreign Relations Pham Binh Minh said at the press conference that the expansion of dialogues on many issues has enhanced the relationship of development and understanding between the two countries.

“The dialogue is an important event in bilateral relations on the heels of Vietnamese PM Nguyen Tan Dung’s visit to the US earlier this year,” said the Deputy Minister.

In regards to Vietnam preparing to join the international peacekeeping force of the United Nations, Mark Kimmitt said that US is willing to help Vietnam build a strong army to participate in the international peacekeeping mission.

Xuan Linh