Vietnam is playing a leading role not only in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) but also in East and Southeast Asia in general, says US Senator Jim Webb, Chairman of the Senate’s Foreign Relations East Asian and Pacific Affairs Subcommittee.

Senator Webb stated this during an interview granted to a VOV reporter on the 15th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between Vietnam and the US.

Since the formal normalisation of Vietnam-US diplomatic relations 15 years ago, bilateral ties have constantly developed, resulting in some remarkable outcomes in various fields.

 

PM Nguyen Tan Dung (Left) was received by US President Obama in Washington in April 2010

Reporter: On the occasion of 15th anniversary of the normalisation of Vietnam–US diplomatic ties, could you please elaborate on Vietnam – US relations over the past 15 years?

Senator Jim Webb: Vietnam-US relations go for longer than 15 years, we have had quite a long journey. I first came to Vietnam as a marine many years ago during the war, I have been involved in the journey from that time to today. It has been a long and complicated road but particularly I think the last ten years has been very good for both countries.  Many issues between our two countries have been addressed with respect to reconciliation.

I think we have also made more progress on reconciliation between Oversea Vietnamese and the Vietnamese in Vietnam. I think trade relations are excellent and I think we are on the right track now.

Reporter: What is the US senate’s assessment on the role Vietnam plays in US policy towards ASIA in general and ASEAN in particular?

Senator Jim Webb: I often remind my colleagues here about how important Southeast Asia is as there are 650 million people in the ASEAN nations.

I think, Vietnam is playing a very strong role not only in ASEAN but also in East and Southeast Asia right now, Vietnam’s balanced foreign policy has been very valuable in strengthening the relationship between the United states and Vietnam is very important for the stability of Southeast Asia and also the East China sea and South China sea. It is very important for the United States and Vietnam to work together.

Reporter: What do you think about Vietnam’s development in recent years?

Senator Jim Webb: I have a very longstanding admiration for Vietnamese culture. Vietnamese people also work hard and have respect for education and the strength of extended family. I believe that the Vietnamese government has come to appreciate the sincerity of American people and what we bring to Vietnam.

From the mid-1990s, I was bringing American companies into Vietnam. The biggest changes that I can see from then is that the Vietnamese have learnt more about business, about a market-oriented economy and your government has made it easier for companies to do business in Vietnam, and that is very healthy sign. I think that the openness of Vietnamese society has been improved great deal, the use of internet, business relationship and international travel have all been very positive.

Reporter: Vietnam and the US currently have some different views on human rights, and freedom of religion. What can the US and Vietnam do to bridge this gap?

 Senator Jim Webb: I think that these are very important issues. I believe that the Vietnamese government has opened up much more than in the early 1990s, I see the Vietnamese government holding talks with the Vatican over the last few years. I think those kind of signals are important. We are trying to move forwards to work out our differences.

As I said it is very long and difficult road but I think that every year and particularly for the past 7 or 8 years, our countries have grown closer, as they should.  We are doing a good job keeping the dialogue open, working to understand our two countries and our two governing systems. The major recommendation that I have is to embrace and to reach out to Vietnamese community in the United States. There are about two millions in the US and that bridge is the most important bridge to full harmony between the two countries.

Reporter: What we should do to promote bilateral relations between the US and Vietnam in the future?

Senator Jim Webb: Vietnam and the United States are natural friends. The Vietnamese have an industrious culture, they are warm to the people from outside and are strategically important for the United States. I believe the presence of the United States is especially important economically. We just need to work to iron out all our differences. I have always said that Vietnam is important to the United States.

Reporter: Thank you.

(CPV)