Vietnamese Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh and US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton held talks in Hanoi on July 10 to discuss ways to foster future cooperation.

During the talks, both sides said they are delighted with the development of Vietnam-US relations and expressed their belief that there is huge potential for strengthening cooperation in the future, especially in economics, trade, science, technology, education and training.

They discussed ways to resolve the consequences of war and Ms Clinton said the US will further assist Vietnam to clear unexploded ordnance, detoxify Agent Orange (AO) /Dioxin-contaminated areas, and help AO victims in Vietnam.

Both host and guest agreed to promote cooperation in regional and multilateral forums for mutual benefit and for the sake of peace, security, stability, cooperation in the region and the world.

Regarding maintaining peace, stability, cooperation and maritime safety in the East Sea, they agreed to settle East Sea disputes peacefully in accordance with  international law, especially the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea and the 2002 Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea.

At a press briefing after the talks, Ms Clinton said her visit offers a chance for both countries to reaffirm their cooperation for mutual benefit.

She said the US appreciates Vietnam’s contributions to a collaborative, diplomatic resolution of disputes and the reduction of tensions in the East Sea.

She hopes ASEAN and China will make rapid progress toward an effective code of conduct to ensure that, as challenges arise, they can be managed and resolved peacefully.

Ms Clinton spoke highly of Vietnam’s important role in the region, saying that the country has emerged as a leader in the lower Mekong region and in Southeast Asia.

She also highlighted the development of bilateral cooperation between the US and Vietnam, with two-way trade turnover reaching more than US$22 billion in 2011, a 40 percent increase compared to 2010. She said she hopes that the relations between the two countries will continue to be fostered, especially in trade and investment.