The below is attributable to Spokesperson Jessica Jennings:
Today, Administrator Samantha Power met with Vietnam Foreign Minister Bùi Thanh Sơn as part of the inaugural U.S.-Vietnam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Ministerials.
The two reinforced the U.S.-Vietnam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) and the significant progress made in the six months since formalizing the upgrade in relations. They also discussed ways to further advance the CSP, including war legacy cooperation on Agent Orange (dioxin) cleanup at Bien Hoa, and support for persons with disabilities who may have been affected by Agent Orange. They reiterated the shared commitment by the United States and Vietnam to address the complex challenges facing the Mekong Delta, including climate adaptation efforts and the need for more sustainable agricultural practices. The Administrator and Foreign Minister also discussed continued cooperation to promote higher education reforms and ways to expand a skilled workforce in Vietnam.
Finally, Administrator Power reinforced the centrality of respect for human rights to the CSP, and emphasized the important role nongovernmental organizations play in Vietnam’s development.