National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan (R) welcomes new US Ambassador to Vietnam Daniel Kritenbrink (Photo: quochoi.vn)

National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan made the statement while receiving new US Ambassador to Vietnam Daniel Kritenbrink in Hanoi, on January 9.

She said that Vietnam, in its foreign policy, always treasures its relations with the US.

The senior legislator expressed her satisfaction at the growing bilateral cooperation in the fields of politics, economy, trade, science, technology, culture, education, defence and security.

She said she believes that the administration of President Donald Trump would continue to foster the bilateral ties.

Hailing the new and practical progress in defence-security collaboration, NA Chairwoman Ngan said Vietnam will push ahead with its cooperation with the US in the non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, terrorism and cross-border crime combat, and the handling of food, energy and water security issues.

She expects that the US Congress and Government will back the advancement of Vietnam-US trade ties and remove the catfish inspection programme of the US Department of Agriculture since its technical barriers could affect the lives of millions of tra fish farmers in Vietnam.

She called on the US to continue supporting Vietnam in increasing the capacity for Vietnamese coast guard and strengthen its cooperation in search and rescue, disaster relief, post-war bomb and mine clearance, environmental detoxification, and assistance to people with disabilities.

Welcoming the positive attitude and standpoint of the US Congress and Government towards the settlement of disputes in the East Sea, Ngan said that Vietnam hopes the international community, including the US, would continue their consistent messages and policies to protect peace, stability, security and safety of navigation and aviation in the East Sea.

Sharing the views with the Vietnamese leader, the US ambassador said the US considers Vietnam as one of its most important partners.

The US Agency for International Development (USAID) in Vietnam has implemented cooperation programmes to support the Southeast Asian country’s development, he said.

According to the diplomat, the bilateral trade relations are growing strongly with Vietnam being one of the fastest-growing export markets of the US.

US President Donald Trump’s participation in the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in Da Nang and his State visit to Vietnam in November 2017 reiterated the commitment to enhancing the countries’ comprehensive partnership, he noted.

He stressed his support for stronger cooperation between the two parliaments and affirmed to boost the bilateral comprehensive partnership in all aspects.