US Secretary of State Kerry visits Vietnam

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry met with Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh here on Friday as the two countries are celebrating the 20th anniversary of diplomatic relations.

Hanoi wanted to see a faster development in economic and trade relations with Washington, Minh said, adding that Vietnam hoped that the United States would become the biggest trade partner and investor in Vietnam.

The two countries shared common interests in maintaining and promoting cooperation in various areas, as well as responsibilities in maintaining peace, stability and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region, Minh added.

During their talks, the two sides also discussed cooperation on issues of global security, climate change and education, among others.

Kerry, who arrived here Thursday, is on a three-day visit to Vietnam. Also on Friday, the top U.S. diplomat met with Vietnamese President Truong Tan Sang and General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Nguyen Phu Trong.