The US and Vietnam are enjoying a “broad-based” relationship that is evident in increased dialogues and intensified high-level visits, US Deputy Secretary of State James Steinberg said in Hanoi Sunday.

Steinberg, who was returning to Vietnam after 10 years, said he had “very productive discussions” with the country’s senior government officials.

He said they discussed several issues including the progress made in strengthening economic, trade, investment and military ties, as well as on the issues of finding MIA remains and chemical decontamination.

Steinberg said he also stressed with Vietnamese government officials the need for “peaceful dialogue” in the region to maintain stability.

The deputy secretary said he looks forward to his first visit to Malaysia, work with the new government of Japan and but overall, the goal of the week-long Asia visit was “to send a unifying message to North Korea that we are open for dialogue.”

Reported by Huong Le