Vietnam expects the US would effectively contribute to maintaining peace, security, stability, cooperation and development in the Asia-Pacific region, said PM Nguyen Tan Dung.

PM Nguyen Tan Dung receives US Defense Secretary Leon Edward Panetta. Photo: VNA

The Vietnamese leader made the statement while receiving US Defense Secretary Leon Edward Panetta in Hanoi on June 4.

Regarding bilateral aspect, PM Dung spoke highly of the positive developments in the Vietnam-US ties since the two countries normalized diplomatic relations in 1995.

Vietnam hopes to strengthen relations with the US, particularly in the fields of economics, trade, investment, science and technology, education, response to global issues among others with mutual respect for independence and sovereignty, PM Dung said.

He stressed both sides need more efforts in building mutual confidence and lifting up the bilateral ties to new heights. To this end, the US was asked to early and completely remove arms embargo against Vietnam and help Vietnam overcome consequences of the war.

US Defense Secretary Panetta said that the US Government highly values the relationship with Vietnam and expects to boost up bilateral cooperation, especially in the area of security and national defense.

He also hopes that the two countries will continue actively implementing the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Defense Cooperation signed in 2011./.