FROM: THE WHITE HOUSE
Four Months Ago
July 25, 2013
Joint Statement by President Barack Obama of the United States of America and President Truong Tan Sang of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam
President Barack Obama welcomed President Truong Tan Sang of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam to the White House on July 25, 2013. During their meeting, the two Presidents affirmed their commitment to opening a new phase of bilateral relations between Vietnam and the United States based on mutual respect and common interests. President Truong Tan Sang’s visit comes at an important time for both nations, reflecting a shared desire to build a forward-looking relationship between the two countries.
President Obama and President Truong Tan Sang decided to form a U.S.-Vietnam Comprehensive Partnership to provide an overarching framework for advancing the relationship. They underlined the principles of the U.S.-Vietnam Comprehensive Partnership, including respect for the United Nations Charter, international law, and each other’s political systems, independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. They stated that the Comprehensive Partnership is intended to contribute to peace, stability, cooperation, and prosperity in each country, in the region, and in the world. The new Comprehensive Partnership will create mechanisms for cooperation in areas including political and diplomatic relations, trade and economic ties, science and technology, education and training, environment and health, war legacy issues, defense and security, protection and promotion of human rights, and culture, sports, and tourism.
Political and Diplomatic Cooperation
As part of the U.S.-Vietnam Comprehensive Partnership, the two sides agreed to increase high level exchanges as well as contacts at all levels, and to intensify dialogue and cooperation mechanisms. President Obama affirmed the United States’ support for Vietnam’s independence, sovereignty, prosperity, and integration into the international community. President Truong Tan Sang welcomed the United States’ enhanced cooperation in the Asia-Pacific, which contributes to the peace, stability, and prosperity of the region.
The Presidents welcomed the establishment of a regular dialogue between their two foreign ministers, and encouraged dialogues and exchanges between entities associated with political parties in both countries.
President Obama and President Truong Tan Sang agreed to enhance cooperation at regional and international forums including The Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), the East Asia Summit (EAS), and the ASEAN Defense Ministerial Meeting Plus (ADMM+) to support peace, stability, cooperation, and development in the Asia-Pacific region. The two Leaders reaffirmed their support for the settlement of disputes by peaceful means in accordance with international law, including as reflected in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea . The Presidents also reaffirmed their support for the principle of non-use of force or threat-of-force in resolving territorial and maritime disputes. The Presidents underscored the value of full observance of the Declaration of Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) and the importance of launching negotiations to conclude an effective Code of Conduct (COC).
President Truong Tan Sang expressed his appreciation for the Lower Mekong Initiative (LMI). The two Presidents agreed that the two sides would work together with other member countries and the Friends of the Lower Mekong to further strengthen regional cooperation to promote prosperity and sustainable development, narrow the development gap, enhance connectivity, and respond to transnational challenges in the region.
The two Presidents instructed relevant agencies to conclude as soon as possible a bilateral agreement on the construction of new embassies and missions. The Leaders affirmed that the United States’ and Vietnam’s diplomatic presence in their respective capitals should reflect the development of their bilateral ties.
Trade and Economic Ties
Recalling their discussions in Cambodia in November 2012, President Obama and President Truong Tan Sang reaffirmed their commitment to conclude a comprehensive, high-standard Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) agreement as soon as possible this year. A 21st-century TPP agreement will advance regional economic integration, further development objectives, and lead to the creation of jobs in the United States, Vietnam, and all TPP countries, while taking into account the diversity of the participants’ levels of development in the context of a comprehensive and balanced package.
The Presidents welcomed continued efforts to further bilateral economic, commercial, and investment ties, and President Obama noted Vietnam’s reform efforts as a developing economy. They underlined the critical value of these efforts to advancing the bilateral relationship, and the importance of economic cooperation as a foundation and engine for the new U.S.-Vietnam Comprehensive Partnership. The Presidents agreed to enhance cooperation under the U.S.-Vietnam Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) Council as well as under the ASEAN Enhanced Economic Engagement initiative and in APEC to increase economic and trade engagement in line with the bilateral Comprehensive Partnership and shared objectives in the World Trade Organization (WTO), APEC, and ASEAN fora. President Obama applauded Vietnam’s progress in economic reform President Obama noted Vietnam’s interest in pursuing market economy country status and is committed to intensifying the United States’ constructive engagement with Vietnam on its economic reforms. The Presidents acknowledged Vietnam’s intention to accede to the Cape Town Convention on International Interests in Mobile Equipment (CTC).
Both Presidents noted the importance of growing commercial ties between the two economies, and made special mention of: the MOU signed between PetroVietnam and U.S. Export-Import Bank to support trade and investment in the petroleum and energy sectors in Vietnam; the Framework Heads Agreement on the Ca Voi Xanh offshore Vietnam development project between Exxon Mobil Corporation and PetroVietnam; the Cooperation Agreement between Murphy Oil Corporation and PetroVietnam Exploration Production Corporation (PVEP); an MOU between Metropolitan Life Insurance Company (MetLife) and Bank for Investment and Development of Vietnam (BIDV); and the Vietnam Ministry of Finance's approval in principle for establishment of a fund management company by ACE Insurance. The Presidents welcomed U.S. Department of Agriculture support for capacity building and training programs designed to help Vietnam adopt and apply sound science and technology to the benefit of Vietnamese farmers, agricultural companies, and consumers. The two leaders recognized the importance of protecting the most vulnerable populations while pursuing economic development, including working together to combat child and forced labor.
Science and Technology Cooperation
President Obama and President Truong Tan Sang discussed the importance of scientific and technological cooperation. They welcomed the 8th meeting of the Joint Committee for Scientific and Technological Cooperation to be held this autumn, and highlighted efforts to build ties between the scientific communities in the United States and Vietnam to strengthen bilateral relations, respond to climate change and other global challenges, and foster innovation-driven economic growth. President Obama and President Truong Tan Sang reiterated their intention to continue scientific cooperation, including in the areas of civil nuclear energy, space technology, and maritime research. The Presidents highlighted the successful conclusion of a joint effort to remove all highly enriched uranium from Vietnam. The two leaders agreed to continue cooperation to support Vietnam’s aspirations for a peaceful nuclear energy program with the highest standards of safety, safeguards, and security.
Education Cooperation
The Presidents agreed on the need to enhance educational, cultural, and people-to-people ties between the United States and Vietnam. They remarked on the rapid growth of Vietnamese students studying at U.S. universities and colleges, and expressed hope that more U.S. students will pursue study abroad opportunities in Vietnam. They agreed that close cooperation on education and training are critical elements to the next phase of the relationship. They also noted that robust English language instruction will help Vietnam compete in the 21st century global economy. President Obama and President Truong Tan Sang noted the success of bilateral education and exchange initiatives, especially the Fulbright program and the Higher Engineering Education Alliance Program (HEEAP). The two Presidents noted the success of the Fulbright Economics Teaching Program and President Truong Tan Sang welcomed the initiative establishing a Fulbright University in Vietnam.
Environment and Health
President Obama and President Truong Tan Sang welcomed increasing bilateral cooperation to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Vietnam through promotion of clean energy, energy efficiency, and sustainable forestry, and to strengthen Vietnam’s resilience to climate change, rising sea level and natural disasters, including through the United States Agency for International Development’s (USAID) Clean Energy Program and Forests and Deltas Program. President Obama reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to providing further medical and other care and assistance for persons with disabilities, regardless of cause.
The two leaders also agreed to work together, along with their LMI partners, to promote scientific research, capacity-building, and dialogue to ensure the long-term health and sustainability of the Mekong Delta and the Lower Mekong River Basin. President Obama expressed appreciation for Vietnam’s leadership as the co-chair of the LMI Environment and Water Pillar, which has included two joint research proposals from Vietnam on water resources management in the basin. The two leaders expressed satisfaction with the recent conclusion of the Agreement on Healthcare and Medical Sciences Cooperation and looked forward to enhanced public health cooperation to promote global health security. President Truong Tan Sang expressed his appreciation for the U.S. government’s continued support through the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) for Vietnam’s efforts to build sustainable systems for HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment, and care.
War Legacy Issues
The two Presidents agreed that extensive cooperation in addressing war legacy issues to deepen mutual trust has allowed both countries to develop a relationship that looks to the future. President Obama expressed his appreciation for Vietnam’s continued cooperation in providing for the fullest possible accounting for U.S. personnel missing in action (MIA). President Obama reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to assist Vietnam in its MIA accounting efforts. President Truong Tan Sang noted the U.S. Government’s contributions to Vietnam’s efforts to clean up unexploded ordnance (UXO), assist those injured by UXO, and prevent future casualties. The Presidents expressed satisfaction with progress on USAID and the Vietnamese Ministry of National Defense’s project to clean up dioxin contamination at Danang International Airport. President Truong Tan Sang welcomed plans by the U.S. Government to conduct an environmental assessment of dioxin contamination at Bien Hoa Air Base.
Defense and Security
The two leaders agreed that the United States and Vietnam would continue to cooperate on defense and security. They expressed satisfaction with the Memorandum of Understanding on Advancing Bilateral Defense Cooperation of 2011 and reaffirmed their commitment to its full implementation. The Presidents agreed to continue the U.S.-Vietnam Defense Policy Dialogue and the bilateral Political, Security, and Defense dialogue as opportunities to review the defense and security relationship and discuss future cooperation. The two Presidents agreed to expand mutually beneficial cooperation to enhance capabilities such as search and rescue and disaster response. The Presidents also underscored the importance of enhanced cooperation in non-traditional security matters and agreed to work more closely to counter terrorism; enhance maritime law enforcement cooperation; combat transnational crime including piracy, and narcotics, human, and wildlife trafficking; and address high-tech crime and cyber security. President Obama welcomed Vietnam’s decision to participate in United Nations peacekeeping operations and emphasized the United States’ desire to assist with training and other support for this effort through the Global Peace Operations Initiative (GPOI).
Promotion and Protection of Human Rights
The Presidents took note of the benefits of a candid and open dialogue to enhance mutual understanding and narrow differences on human rights. They emphasized the importance of protection and promotion of human rights. President Truong Tan Sang informed President Obama of Vietnam’s efforts and achievements in promoting human rights and rule of law and in protecting the rights of religious believers. President Truong Tan Sang also affirmed that Vietnam was prepared to sign the United Nations Convention Against Torture by the end of the year and stated that Vietnam would invite the Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion or Belief in 2014. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to uphold the United Nations Charter and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Culture, Tourism and Sports
President Truong Tan Sang and President Obama highlighted the importance of enhanced cooperation on culture, sports and tourism to strengthening people-to-people exchange and mutual understanding. They took note of the success of the Vietnamese-American community in the United States and their important contributions to the growth of bilateral ties. The two Presidents encouraged more people-to-people exchange through art performances, concerts, exhibitions and other cultural and sports events between the two countries.
Showing posts with label COMPREHENSIVE PARTNERSHIP. Show all posts
Showing posts with label COMPREHENSIVE PARTNERSHIP. Show all posts
Tuesday, November 12, 2013
Sunday, October 6, 2013
U.S.-VIETNAM JOINT STATEMENT ON SECURITY AND DEFENSE DIALOGUE
FROM: U.S.STATE DEPARTMENT
Joint Statement on the Sixth U.S.-Vietnam Political, Security, and Defense Dialogue
Media Note
Office of the Spokesperson
Washington, DC
October 1, 2013
The text of the following statement was released by the Governments of the United States of America and Vietnam on the occasion of the Sixth U.S.-Vietnam Political, Security, and Defense Dialogue.
Begin Text:
Acting Assistant Secretary of State for Political-Military Affairs Tom Kelly welcomed Vice Foreign Minister Ha Kim Ngoc to the Department of State in Washington, DC, on October 1, 2013 for the sixth annual U.S.-Vietnam Political, Security, and Defense Dialogue to discuss a broad range of bilateral and regional security issues of mutual concern. This meeting follows the announcement by President Obama and President Sang this past July for establishing a new Comprehensive Partnership between the two nations, and reflects increasing cooperation between the United States and Vietnam.
During this Dialogue, Acting Assistant Secretary Kelly and Vice Foreign Minister Ngoc noted with satisfaction the progress that has been made in recent years in many areas of the bilateral relationship, helping to elevate the framework of friendly and mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries. Regarding the multilateral arena, the two sides exchanged ideas on promotion of U.S.-ASEAN cooperation and issues concerning the ASEAN Regional Forum and the East Asia Summit. Both sides noted with satisfaction the progress in negotiating a Civil Nuclear Agreement, and pledged to make progress on further nonproliferation measures.
The participants in the meeting today discussed ways to further strengthen cooperation in multiple areas, including counterterrorism, counternarcotics, human trafficking, cyber, and law enforcement issues. The two delegations discussed further defense and security cooperation under the framework of the 2011 Memorandum of Understanding on Advancing Bilateral Defense Cooperation. Both parties agreed to continue to expand cooperation in maritime law enforcement, particularly on developing capabilities to address disaster response and search and rescue. The two sides pledged to continue cooperation in resolving war legacy issues such as POW/MIA accounting, dioxin and Agent Orange, and unexploded ordnance.
During this Dialogue, the United States and Vietnam reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the bilateral relationship based on friendship, mutual respect, and shared commitments to ensure a peaceful, stable, prosperous, and secure Asia-Pacific region. The two sides affirmed that cooperation with respect to international and regional security challenges is a natural evolution of mutual and maturing political, economic, cultural, and people-to-people ties, and helps to cement the economic prosperity of both countries.
Taking place in a spirit of growing trust and deepening friendship, the Dialogue helped to chart the course for the new Comprehensive Partnership between our two countries. The seventh Dialogue will take place in Hanoi in 2014.
Joint Statement on the Sixth U.S.-Vietnam Political, Security, and Defense Dialogue
Media Note
Office of the Spokesperson
Washington, DC
October 1, 2013
The text of the following statement was released by the Governments of the United States of America and Vietnam on the occasion of the Sixth U.S.-Vietnam Political, Security, and Defense Dialogue.
Begin Text:
Acting Assistant Secretary of State for Political-Military Affairs Tom Kelly welcomed Vice Foreign Minister Ha Kim Ngoc to the Department of State in Washington, DC, on October 1, 2013 for the sixth annual U.S.-Vietnam Political, Security, and Defense Dialogue to discuss a broad range of bilateral and regional security issues of mutual concern. This meeting follows the announcement by President Obama and President Sang this past July for establishing a new Comprehensive Partnership between the two nations, and reflects increasing cooperation between the United States and Vietnam.
During this Dialogue, Acting Assistant Secretary Kelly and Vice Foreign Minister Ngoc noted with satisfaction the progress that has been made in recent years in many areas of the bilateral relationship, helping to elevate the framework of friendly and mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries. Regarding the multilateral arena, the two sides exchanged ideas on promotion of U.S.-ASEAN cooperation and issues concerning the ASEAN Regional Forum and the East Asia Summit. Both sides noted with satisfaction the progress in negotiating a Civil Nuclear Agreement, and pledged to make progress on further nonproliferation measures.
The participants in the meeting today discussed ways to further strengthen cooperation in multiple areas, including counterterrorism, counternarcotics, human trafficking, cyber, and law enforcement issues. The two delegations discussed further defense and security cooperation under the framework of the 2011 Memorandum of Understanding on Advancing Bilateral Defense Cooperation. Both parties agreed to continue to expand cooperation in maritime law enforcement, particularly on developing capabilities to address disaster response and search and rescue. The two sides pledged to continue cooperation in resolving war legacy issues such as POW/MIA accounting, dioxin and Agent Orange, and unexploded ordnance.
During this Dialogue, the United States and Vietnam reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the bilateral relationship based on friendship, mutual respect, and shared commitments to ensure a peaceful, stable, prosperous, and secure Asia-Pacific region. The two sides affirmed that cooperation with respect to international and regional security challenges is a natural evolution of mutual and maturing political, economic, cultural, and people-to-people ties, and helps to cement the economic prosperity of both countries.
Taking place in a spirit of growing trust and deepening friendship, the Dialogue helped to chart the course for the new Comprehensive Partnership between our two countries. The seventh Dialogue will take place in Hanoi in 2014.
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
INDONESIA-U.S. RELATIONS
FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
United States Indonesia Relations Fact Sheet
Office of the Spokesperson
Washington, DC
September 3, 2012
Since Secretary Clinton visited Indonesia in 2009 on her first international trip as Secretary of State, and two years after the launch of the Comprehensive Partnership, United States-Indonesia relations have never been stronger. President Obama's and President Yudhoyono's commitment to elevate bilateral relations by intensifying consultations and developing habits of cooperation laid the foundation for a strategically vital partnership between the world's second and third largest democracies. The U.S. Secretary of State and the Indonesian Foreign Minister co-chair a Joint Commission to ensure continued momentum to sustain the partnership. Some notable recent achievements include:
Regional and Global Cooperation
Officials from both countries consult regularly on issues such as humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, climate change, and the spread of communicable diseases.
Through increased high-level visits, the bilateral relationship continues to grow. Secretary Clinton attended the ARF in Indonesia in July 2011. President Obama and Secretary Clinton traveled to Bali for the third U.S.-ASEAN Leaders Meeting in November 2011. Since 2010, we have taken turns hosting the Joint Commission Meetings.
The U.S. continues to consult closely with Indonesia to support and strengthen the three pillars of the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty—nonproliferation, peaceful uses of nuclear energy, and disarmament. We have worked with Indonesia to encourage all ASEAN countries to conclude Additional Protocols to their safeguards agreements with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), and we welcome Indonesia’s partnership in the IAEA’s Peaceful Uses Initiative.
Under Indonesia’s ASEAN 2011 chairmanship, Indonesia worked closely with the United States and the other nuclear weapon states (P5) to resolve outstanding issues that had prevented P5 signature of the Protocol to the Southeast Asia Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone (SEANWFZ) Treaty. Successful negotiations concluded at the November 2011 EAS.
As host of the Bali Democracy Forum, Indonesia is a leader in advancing democracy in the Asia-Pacific region. The U.S. attends the annual forum as an observer.
Economy, Trade and Investment
Since 2009, U.S. exports of goods to Indonesia have increased from $5.1 billion to $7.4 billion in 2011, and imports of goods have increased from $12.9 billion to $19.1 billion. United States foreign direct investment (FDI) in Indonesia expanded to $1.5 billion in 2011, making the United States the third largest contributor.
The United States Agency for International Development’s (USAID) Development Credit Authority loan guarantees helped spur employment by financing approximately $20 million in loans and increasing access to financial services for over 26,000 Indonesians.
The U.S.-Indonesia Infrastructure Memorandum of Understanding, signed on August 8, 2012, will support greater bilateral cooperation on infrastructure projects.
Education
Under the Higher Education Partnership, the U.S. will invest over $165 million from 2010-2014 to promote educational cooperation with Indonesia. This includes support for expanded academic exchanges, including the new Fulbright Indonesia Research, Science and Technology (FIRST) program for U.S. and Indonesian students and scholars, the Community College Initiative for Indonesian students and faculty, support for Americans studying languages in Indonesia, and English Language programs for Indonesians. Support for capacity building efforts, such as USAID’s Higher Education Leadership and Management program and several dozen university partnerships are also included.
USAID’s graduate degree program provides $20 million in scholarship funding for Indonesian students to study in the United States and Indonesia.
An expansion of USAID’s basic education program will provide a total of $83 million for teacher training and development of strategies for early grade reading programs.
Development
In 2010, the United States Peace Corps program in Indonesia reopened and now has 63 volunteers in East Java and three in West Java. Next year, the Peace Corps anticipates 40 new volunteer placements in East Java and 20 in West Java.
USAID’s Mobile Money partnership will soon provide banking services via cell phones and other mobile devices to rural populations.
OPIC is launching a second $20 million credit facility to support microfinance institutions.
The Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KADIN) and USAID have formed a partnership to develop the capacity of the private sector to improve agricultural policy and productivity by establishing an agricultural research foundation.
Climate, Environment and Energy
USAID’s $40 million Indonesia Forestry and Climate Support Program is working across eight landscapes to pursue a 50% reduction in the rate of forest degradation and loss; improved management of 3.5 million hectares of forest; a 50% reduction in project site green house gas emissions; and a 20% increase in sustainable financial resources.
Through a grant to the U.S. Forest Service, the Department of State is supporting development of the Indonesian Climate Change Center, and the work it is doing to map and slow the loss of peatlands, a key cause of greenhouse gas emissions in Indonesia.
U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) will sponsor a study mission to the U.S. in October 2012. We hope to share U.S.’s best practices in unconventional gas development and to discuss policy and investment in Indonesia’s energy sector.
Through the $16 million Indonesia Clean Energy Development project, USAID is assisting Indonesia to expand its domestic energy supply and fulfill its commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the energy and transportation sectors.
Defense and Security
The U.S. is procuring $2.2 million worth of heavy construction equipment, to enhance the training capacity at the newly-formed Indonesian Peacekeeping Center.
A humanitarian relief joint exercise with the U.S., Indonesia and other countries in the region is scheduled to take place in November. This exercise will add to the more than 170 bilateral mil-to-mil engagements each year between the U.S. and Indonesia.
U.S. Foreign Military Financing (FMF) and International Military Education and Training (IMET) funds are used to foster professionalism and technical expertise in the Indonesian military, while expanding overall operational capability.
Rule of Law and Law Enforcement
The U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Overseas Prosecutorial Development Assistance and Training (OPDAT), which also receives Department of State funds, provides rule of law assistance, such as training to the special prosecutor task force on counterterrorism, supports a court security program, and advises on asset forfeiture, anti-money laundering, and terrorist finance legislation.
The Department of State’s Export Control and Related Border Security Program provides training on maritime law enforcement, weapons of mass destruction, and interdiction.
USAID enhances rule of law by strengthening the Indonesian Supreme Court, improving legal education, and enhancing the ability of local NGOs to advocate for human rights.
The FBI Legal Attaché conducts joint, parallel investigations with the Indonesian Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK).
In 2012 the Department of State’s Antiterrorism Assistance program provided training and equipment to 545 Indonesian police officers. Course graduates are now training their colleagues in counterterrorism skills, such as crisis response, K-9s, and blast investigation.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)