Deputy PM Phạm Gia Khiêm talks with Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice

VNGOVNet – As a part of his visit to the United States from March 11-16, 2007, Deputy PM, Foreign Minister Phạm Gia Khiêm started his official working agenda on March 15 with the talks with the US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice.

March 17, 2007 7:43 AM GMT+7

Deputy PM Phạm Gia Khiêm highlighted his visit’s target to speed up the realization of agreements made by the two countries’ senior leaders in line with the Joint Statements delivered in May 2005 and November 2006.

Mentioning the bilateral economic cooperation, Deputy PM Phạm Gia Khiêm proposed that the two sides should negotiate on a framework agreement on trade and investment. He also showed concerns about the US’s monitoring regime of garments and textiles and asked the US to consider the application of the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) for imports from Vietnam.

Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice confirmed that the US will further support Vietnam in controlling HIV/AIDS, bird flu and drug trafficking.

She also expressed her gratitude to Vietnam for effective cooperation in seeking and collecting the remains of MIAs.

On the same day, Deputy PM Phạm Gia Khiêm had important meetings with leaders of the US Department of Finance and the World Bank. He also paid a visit to the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC).

By Hoàng Nguyên