Admiral Robert Willard, the Commander of the US Pacific Fleet, is on a working visit to Hanoi. He said the US and Vietnam will share concerns about maritime security, combating illegal activities on sea and consider cooperation opportunities.

Admiral Robert Willard, the Commander of the US Pacific Fleet.

Speaking to the media on March 9, Admiral Willard said he and Vietnamese defense officials would discuss security on the East Sea, and accordingly the US wishes related sides will seek peaceful solutions.

About cooperation, the US Admiral said the US and Vietnam share common concerns about maritime security and preventing illegal activities on sea, such as drug transportation, terrorism and other fields of cooperation. On-sea rescue will be a top priority.

The US Admiral was impressed by the development of Vietnam’s navy through activities like shipbuilding and purchasing more military vessels.

He thanked the Vietnamese government for its efforts to help search for missing American soldiers in the Vietnam War. He wishes to have other visits of US naval vessels to Vietnam in the future.

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