Solidarity with the vietnamese people. Remarkable was Martin Luther king jr. After the end of the war vietnam advocated to put behind the past and look to the future by suffering heavily from the war with 3 Million People dead, 4 million wounded, 4. 8 million exposed to agent orange, and hundreds of thousands missing right in the homeland. The government and people of vietnam were actively engaged in an effective cooperation with the United States in accounting for missing soldiers. Today all americans who come to vietnam, including war veterans are welcomed. And they can feel the sincere friendship of the vietnamese people. That may not be easy to understand for some, but thats the truth, that all those who used to come to vietnam could see first hand. This morning i had a meeting with senator john mccain who is a chairman of the Senate Committee for armed services. And he recalls a story the visit of himself and his wife to hanoi. And his wife when in hanoi asked somebody to take her in the motor bike to ride around the city of hanoi, she was so excited about the motor bike riding and she was very impressed at the sincere friendship and hospitality of the vietnamese people. Having recalled history i wonder in f the tradition of peace and friendship and persistent desire of the vietnamese people and cooperation between vietnam and the United States. Regarding vietnam u. S. Relations over the past two decades, 20 years ago few people could have imagined how vietnam and the United States could overcome the pains of war to build such a Robust Partnership as today. Over the past 20 years vietnamu. S. Relations have gone from strength to strength, all the way through important milestones. We have normalized relations, established diplomatic ties. We have also signed the trade agreement in 2000 and most recently in 2013 we established the comprehensive partnership. And bilateral relations keeps growing strongly. Bilateral cooperation is a wide range of areas has made a substantial progress. Economic cooperation has kept growing strongly and the United States today is vietnams leading trade partner. Cooperation in science, technology, education and training has seen positive steps forward. And do you know how many vietnamese students are there in the United States . There are currently 16,500 vietnamese students study in the United States and vietnam is the number one county in Southeast Asia with the largest Student Community in the United States. The trade over the last 20 years increased by 130 times from 400 million in 1995. Cooperation in defense and security has made steady progress with the signing of the memorandum of understanding on bilateral defense cooperation in 2011 and particularly the joint vision statement on defense relations signed in hanoi in june this year on the occasion to vietnam by the u. S. Secretary of defense. Vietnam and the United States also enjoy good cooperation on Many International and regional issues from nonproliferation, counterterrorism, Climate Change response rising sea levels to Maritime Security, Nuclear Security maintaining peace, stability and promoting cooperation in the Asian Pacific region. Humanitarian cooperation including activities who address legacy issues have been realized effectively by both sides. It is vietnams consistent policy to consider the accounting for american soldiers missing in action during war in vietnam, a humanitarian issue. While well continue to engage in effective cooperation with the u. S. People to people dies have been expended and as an an important contributing factor to enhancing mutual friendship between the two countries. The vietnamu. S. Relationship over the past 20 years has been grounded in the respect of the fundamental principles of the international life, respect for each others independence, sovereignty, political regime and cooperation for mutual benefit. Along the way over 20 years vietnam and the u. S. Has achieved Common Ground of these principles and this this is an important contributing factor to voting Political Trust between the two countries. It can be asserted that the development of friendship and cooperation between vietnam and the United States over the past 20 years is positive follows the right direction and brings about practical benefits to both people. It is beneficial for peace stability, cooperation and development in the asia pacific and the world. And this is the result of hard work by the leaders and people in both countries in the spirit of putting behind the past, overcoming differences, maximizing commonalities and looking to the future. This is also an example for the Success Story of relations between two countries with different political backgrounds that used to be adversaries in the past which is conducive to the trend of peace and cooperation of the time. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all statesmen, organizations and individuals from both vietnam and the United States who with support and hard work has made significant cribbs significant contributions. My special thanks go to american friends who have been activity assisting vietnam to overcome the inconsistency of war and those who stand by our side to support the course of National Development and support in our country. The lessons of the past 20 years gave us all reason for great optimism and expectation of the future of vietnamu. S. Relations. Regarding vietnams policy relations policy, in a changing world, it requires ourselves to be exposed to new ways of thinking and new ways of action. Scientific and Technology Advances cooperation and Development Trends organization are opening up new opportunities for prosperity and Cooperation Among nations. Economic and financial crisis along with social and humanitarian ones post knew demands for Sustainable Growth model for the economic relationship between nations and for the International Economic order. Traditional and nontraditional security challenges including among others, territorial disputes terrorism cybersecurity, aviation and Maritime Security has emerged in new forms affecting International Peace, stability and development, hence requiring new mind sets and approaches to security. Environmental and ecological Climate Change, National Disasters continue to unfold causing new demands for production methods and peoples way of life and for managing human relationship with nature in a globalized worldwide independence among nations is increasing both in terms of development and security. International law Mutual Respect and Cooperation Among nations must be upheld more than ever before. The asia pacific, the worlds most dynamic nation, embraces all of the world while maintaining unique attributes. Economic cooperation and integration are taking place vigorously with a huge initiative challenge to peace, security and stability have become ever more acute, especially increasing tensions in maritime disputes. Economic independence among countries is increasing. Our region lacks an efficient arrangement, mechanism or architecture for collective security to cope with challenges among which nationalism and unilateralism tend to rise. All countries including veet nom and the United States are required to increase their interests and cooperation efforts for a world of Peace Security and prosperity. From the economic perspective, we support the cooperation models for mutually Beneficial Development between countries. We support the initiatives to boost trade and investment to bring about equal benefit to all, especially to workers in all countries. We believe that the best way of koob ration is based on the principle of mutual reinforcement for shared development, helping narrow down Development Gaps among nations. From the political and security perspective perspective, we support the friendship and equal cooperation between nations on the basis of respect ore each others political regime want noninterference in each others internal affairs, peaceful resolution of disputes in accordance with the u. N. Charter and international law, nonuse or threat of force. We support the formation of economic and Security Cooperation mechanisms among countries in the region and in the world in keeping with such principles. We support an Asia Pacific Region of peace, stability and cooperation for shared prosperity connected by extra Regional Economic cooperation for mutual benefit, having agreements and mechanisms ensure common security, freedom of navigation and fight in which we are of the view evolving political insecurity architectures in the asia pacific is con deuce to International Peace and security. We believe that the Asia Pacific Region offers enough opportunities to all countries in and outside the region, including the u. S. China india, russia and the eu. In that spirit, vietnam continues to pursue a Foreign Policy of independence, self reliance, peace cooperation and development, of external relations and Proactive International cooperation. Vietnam established diplomatic ties with over 180 countries comprehensive and Strategic Partnership with important partners in the region and of course the world. As we have aseeded to many bilateral and multilateral free trade agreements which tpp with the United States and other partners is of great significance to vietnam, the United States and to the entire Asia Pacific Region. Now, on the future of vietnamu. S. Relations our two countries have established the comprehensive partnership. Thats a very important premise for advancing bilateral ties over the coming years. Looking ahead we need to Work Together to deepen and broaden the comprehensive partnership in order to lay the foundation for taking bilateral tie to the next level in the future. An important impetus to the veet namu. S. Partnership. To us that end lies in the shared interest between our two countries. And in my view, we shared many common interests. First we have shared interests in promoting comprehensive cooperation for disparity in each country and for the happiness of both peoples. Second we have shared interest in advancing Regional Cooperation for peace, stability and prosperity in the asia pacific. Particularly in maintaining peace, Maritime Security freedom of navigation and overflight in the east sea on the basis of respect for international law. And third, we have shared interests in collaboration and coordination of efforts to contribute to the common global issues as a responsible member of the International Community. I believe that a strong prosperous stable independent and self reliant vietnam fully integrated into the world and making responsible contribution to the International Community is in the interest of peace, security and prosperity of the asia pacific and the world is conducive to the interest of the United States and countries in and outside the region. Looking ahead we have much to do to advance the bilateral ties further forward. First and foremost the funds seem Mutual Understanding, building and consolidating Political Trust between the leaders and the people from both countries are essential to deepen and broaden friendship and cooperation between vietnam and the United States. To this end we need to increase high level contacts to include legislative bodies and Political Parties and to expand consultation and dialogue mechanisms in the areas of mutual interest. This is one of the objectives of my visit to the United States this time. And we are looking forward to welcoming president barack obama in vietnam in the time to come. Yesterday i offered an invitation to president obama and the first laidty for a visit to vietnam and president obama accepted by invitation with pleasure. Invest corporation remains the focus of bilateral ties and must be advanced further. So far American Investment in vietnam remains modest. And the United States is only ranked the seventh among countries and territories investing in vietnam. The United States has yet to recognize vietnam as a trade economy. And i do hope that with the conclusion of tpp in the time to come it will give a strong boost to American Investment in vietnam and will facilitate trade between the two countries and facilitate trade between the United States and including the american exports to vietnam and part of the larger assian community. And the market economy status is a necessary step to that end. Cooperation in science, technology education, training health, environment and others is a red dot with huge potential in the bilateral relations. These are also areas closely related to the quality of Sustainable Development, while vietnam pays great attention to and the u. S. Has many strengths that can be shared with us. And during my visit, the foundation of full Bright University in the city. We encourage and call on American EnterprisesUniversities Research institutes, organizations and individuals to increase investment in and cooperation in vietnam these areas. Cooperation in defense and security is an element, contributing to enhancing trust and adding strategic values to bilateral ties which should be fostered based on appropriate steps in line with the interest of both countries. Both sides must continue to implement effectively the memorandum of understanding on bhal and defense cooperation signed in 2011 and especially the joint vision statement on defense relations siendsgned in hanoi last june. Should expand cooperation in law enforcement, Counter TerrorismMaritime Security and others to enhance the peace stability cooperation in the asia pacific. Cooperation on humanitarian issues must continue to be strongly promoted to help address war and build trust and enhance friendship between the two people. As you all know the war in vietnam remains heavy until today. Many generations of vietnamese are still struggling with the harsh consequences of the war. Other the past decade Many American authorizations and individuals, including war veterans, have conducted pram practical activities to help vietnam overcome. The u. S. Congress adopted annual funding to help address war legacy issues in vietnam including remediation of contaminated hot spots and removal of ordinance. Nevertheless, the results ashooefd are modest compared to the practical demands and we believe that in order to look behind the past, we should work hand in hand in order to heal if t wounds of war. This is a sensitive issue toughing the heart of both peoples. And therefore the cooperation between vietnam and the United States will help strongly promote our bilateral ties. And people to people exchanges are essential to further enhance Mutual Understanding and friendship between our two peoples. Our two countries share an uneasy history and i understand that many prejudices against vietnam still exist in the United States. But i also know another truth. That most americans after visiting vietnam has more positive view towards our country. And all impressed by a vibrant nondiscriminatory and Humane Society and by the friendly optimistic and openminded vietnamese. Other the past 20 years our two countries have come to a better understanding of each other, yet a full Mutual Understanding which is critical to Building Mutual trust and friendship must still be promoted. I do hope that both countries will work to strengthen contacts and exchanges through all channels between the people to that end. Another extremely important contributing factor to the bilateral ties is the large Vietnamese Community in the United States. And currently the 2 million American Vietnamese ancestry living in the United States. And Vietnamese Community in the United States is the largest vietnamese communities overseas, which is making significant contributions to the development of the United States and also to the promotion of vietnam u. S. Bilateral relations. So they are both american citizens but also vietnamese come patriots. And i hope that the u. S. Administration will continue to provide favorable conditions for the vietnamese who are living, working and studying in the u. S. So they can successfully integrate into the u. S. Society and make positive contributions to prosperity of the u. S. And to vietnamu. S. Relations. Human rights is of the issue of great interest to the American Public and also a sensitive issue in vietnamus relations. And i would like to affirm that vietnam attaches great importance to human rights. Certainly there remain many limitations and problems in our country that we need to address, including human rights. But were making every day to strive for a better and Better Society for our people. And i understand that this is an issue where both countries still have many differences in terms of perception and we should continue to Work Together to constructive dialogue in order to reach a Common Ground on the human rights issue in order to come up with a just assessment on the systemic and fundamental changes on the human rights situation in our country. And this issue should not become should not be allowed to become an obstacle to the growing momentum of the bilateral ties. Cooperation on regional and International Issues to make positive contribution to International Peace, security, Sustainable Development is an increasingly important part of the bilateral ties. Vietnam is ready to invees coordination with the u. S. On International Issues of mutual concern, including counterterrorism, society and Climate Change. We will work with the United States and other countries to build assian relations with increasing in the region. Essure the effectiveness of the rdf and make apeck play a more practical role in Regional Economic arrangements. And turn the east asia summit into a platform for handling strategic and political issues in the region. We highly appreciate the United States increasing interest in the east sea as well as as timely expression of consistent position in support of peaceful resolution of disputes on the basis of respect for international law, nonuse or threat of force unilateral actions to change the status quo. Control over the watches. Vietnam welcomes countries including the United States to play abactive and responsible role in maintaining peace, security, stability, Maritime Security and freedom of navigation and overflight and promoting Development Cooperation in the Asia Pacific Region. Ladies and gentlemen, the lessons of his think and the accomplishments of the past 20 years have clearly shown that friendship and cooperation is the only right choice for vietnamu. S. Relations. It is beneficial for both countries conducive to the interests of both peoples and those of the region and the world. The differences that remain between our two countries reflect a real estatialty in a diverse world where all nations try to choose their own development path. Yet the reality of the past 20 years has shown that our two countries share many common interests and differences cannot in any way be an obstacle to the growing friendship and cooperation between our two countries. In todays fast changing world, the overlapping interest between our two countries have ever broadened. And looking hay head to vietnamu. S. Relations should move toward deepened and broadened, practical and Effective Partnership and towards new heights in the interest of the two peoples for peace, stability, cooperation and prosperity in the world. The experience and accomplishments of the past 20 years give us all reason for or conviction in that future. President Theodore Roosevelt has said and i quote, believe you can and you are halfway there. I believe that together with can build a bright vision for our future relations so that our two peoples and our children will always be good friends and partners of each other. Thank you for your attention. [ applause ] mr. General secretary thank you very much for those comments. I know that you have time for a couple of questions so ill try to stop the feedback here. Might be my machine. And iep like to open the floor to questions. Id just like to ask that you introduce yourself and your institution before you ask the question. I see a gentleman here. Rich, yeah. The microphone will come to you. Thank you. Okay. General secretary trong, im richard cronan from a nongovernment think tank here in washington that focuses on Foreign Policy issues primarily. You raised a number of very important issues in your speech and called for new thinking on the part of both countries. Looking ahead to the congress that will be held early next year, what do you think will be the most important domestic and Foreign Policy issues that will be addressed by that body . Thank you. Translator as you may be aware, each communist Party Congress is one of the most important activity in the political life of the country. Now we hold the Party Congress every five years and each