Vietnam and the United States Monday held their first strategic dialogue on political, security, national defense and humanitarian co-operation issues in Hanoi.

The dialogue aims to strengthen the mutual understanding between the two countries for mutual benefit and to promote peace, stability, cooperation and development in the region, Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Pham Binh Minh said at a press briefing in Hanoi Monday.

The two countries are enhancing their bilateral cooperation on the basis of developing friendly ties, and their common interest in the bilateral and regional cooperation, Assistant Secretary of US State for Political-Military Affairs Mark Kimmitt said at the joint press briefing.

Talking about Vietnam’s preparations for participating in the

UN peace keeping force, he said the United States is ready to help Vietnam improve its capacity to contribute to international peace keeping.

The two sides also discussed other bilateral and regional issues of mutual concern, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The dialogue was held under the auspices of a high-level agreement reached during the US visit by Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung in June.

Reported by Bao Van

Update from: http://www.thanhniennews.com/politics/?catid=1&newsid=42640