Vietnam, US aim for deepened bilateral ties Both nations have consented to intensify coordination in celebratory activities honouring the 20th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic ties in 2015.  US Secretary of State John Kerry told Deputy Prime Minister cum Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh that his nation decided to partially lift lethal arms embargo against Vietnam. At their talks on October 2, the two diplomats expressed satisfaction with the fine development of the Vietnam-US relations in recent years, especially since the establishment of the comprehensive partnership in July 2013. They compared notes on a score of measures to further deepen bilateral relations in the future. US Secretary of State John Kerry (R) and  Deputy PM  cum Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh. “Vietnam attaches high importance to developing ties with the US and expressed a strong desire to promote all-around cooperation between the two countries. Vietnam wants the US to stay flexible in the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPP) negotiations and provide technical assistance for the country in the process of negotiating and implementing the pact.” Minh said. Deputy PM Minh also asked the US to soon recognize Vietnam’s market economy, increase cooperation in science and technology, education and training and continue to support Vietnam in dealing with war aftermath. John Kerry, in turn, affirmed his country’s recognition of great importance to Vietnam’s role in the region, adding the US is keen to augment cooperation with Vietnam in various fields and will positively consider Vietnam’s proposals. Kerry pledged continued support for Vietnam in addressing the consequences of war, including issues related to Agent Orange (AO), unexplored ordnance left from the war and the establishment of a Fulbright University in Vietnam and suggested the two sides should continue dialogues to enhance mutual understanding on existing differences.  The US Secretary of State also vowed to cooperate more closely with Vietnam and other regional countries in the implementation of projects within the Lower Mekong Initiative (LMI), which involves ensuring water security in the river basin. The two sides also exchanged views on issues of regional and international concern, including the situation in the East Sea and that the parties concerned should strictly implement the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC), avoid actions that could escalate disputes and instabilities in the region, peacefully settle disputes on the basis of international law and the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). At another meeting the same day, Deputy PM Pham Binh Minh and US National Security Advisor Susan Rice discussed bilateral relations promotion measures, as well as international and regional issues of common concern. Deputy PM Minh meeting with US National Security Advisor Susan Rice. The US is committed to implementing a rebalancing strategy in the region and strengthening the comprehensive partnership with Vietnam in a more substantial and effective manner. Meeting with US Trade Representative Michael Froman, Minh and his host touched upon economic and trade relations between the two countries, including the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPP). The two sides concurred to further boost economic and trade links in a bid to conclude negotiations on this important agreement soon. Deputy PM Minh  holding discussions with US Trade Representative Michael Froman. Earlier, Minh delivered a speech at the launch of the report "A New Era in US-Vietnam Relations: Deepening Ties Two Decades after Normalization” at the Washington-based Centre for Strategic and International Studies. Deputy PM Minh giving a speech at the Washington-based Centre for Strategic and International Studies. During the October 1-2 trip, Deputy PM Minh talked with Vietnam Embassy staff and Vietnamese community representatives in the US.  VOV