Vietnam will continue working with US agencies to thoroughly solve issues raised by both countries to maintain stable trade, a Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister has said.

Vietnam's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh. Photo: MOFA

Ministries and agencies in Vietnam will actively cooperated with US partners with an aim to balance the trade for mutual interest, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh said in a teleconference on January 6 with US State Secretary Mike Pompeo, according to the Vietnam’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The two top diplomats agreed to boost the cooperation on the basis of mutual respect to sovereignty, territorial integrity and political regimes, contributing to the global and regional peace, security, and development.

The talk took place following the recent US investigations on Vietnam’s alleged currency manipulation and illegally-harvested or -traded timber.

US trade deficit with Vietnam is one of its largest and has grown despite the White House’s complaints. But it’s noted that the growth of the deficit is partly the result of US and other companies moving production from China to Vietnam, a trend that in turn has likely been accelerated by the US-China trade war.

At the phone talk, Mike Pompeo appreciated that these issues have been put forth. He reiterated that the US treasures and commits to maintaining relationship with Vietnam in a stable manner, supporting Vietnam for a better role in the region.

Deputy PM Pham Binh Minh thanked the White House and the US Department of State for timely support to Vietnam in the Covid-19 pandemic and floods in the central region with disaster relief worth US$2 million.

Mr. Minh spoke highly of the flexible organization of activities to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the bilateral relations.