PM applauds USAID’s increased development budget for Việt Nam

HÀ NỘI — Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính applauded the US Agency for International Development (USAID) for continuing to increase development budget for Việt Nam while receiving USAID Administrator Samantha Power in Hà Nội on Friday.

PM Chính affirmed that Việt Nam is ready to continue promoting its comprehensive partnership with the US in an effective and practical manner, based on the principle that the US always supports a strong, independent, prosperous Việt Nam and respects each other's independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity and political regime, meeting the benefits of the people of the two countries and contributing to peace, cooperation and development in the region and the world.

He conveyed regards of Party General Secretary Nguyễn Phú Trọng, President Võ Văn Thưởng, NA Chairman Vương Đình Huệ and himself to the President, the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the Speaker of the Senate of the US.

The PM suggested USAID continue strengthening its support for Việt Nam to overcome war consequences, especially in decontaminating Agent Orange/dioxin, bombs and mines; step up cooperation in climate change, healthcare, education, high-quality human resource development, and help Fulbright University Việt Nam become a regional training centre; and promote green and digital transformation.

He also proposed USAID prioritise its support to mitigate the impacts of climate change in the Mekong Delta which is hardest hit by climate change in Việt Nam.

Power, for her part, thanked the Vietnamese Government, ministries and localities for their close cooperation with USAID to effectively carry out the US-funded projects.

She vowed to continue promoting cooperation with and provide support for Việt Nam, especially in areas suggested by the PM.

Regarding response to climate change, the official said it is the top priority of President Joe Biden's administration and also one of the areas that USAID is prioritising cooperation with Việt Nam. — VNS