 Thank you all for coming. We're delighted to have you here. My name is John Hamry. I'm the president at CSIS and it's an enormous honor To be able to welcome President Song here today. This is a historic visit this is the first time in American history that we've been able to greet the president of Vietnam and Given that we've had such a unique and tortured history with each other This is a celebration and we're Delighted to have this opportunity President Song and President Obama made some news today President Obama committed to visit Vietnam. It probably won't happen this year, but he is going to be getting to Vietnam and I think it's a signal and a testament to how this Relationship is deepening and growing and becoming so much stronger every day And we feel very honored that we could be a part of this to be able to bring President Song with his message To the Washington policy community, and I'm just thrilled that we do have this opportunity the president intends to outline his strategic vision for Vietnam in the context of a dramatically and dynamic Evolution in Asia this is one of the most interesting times And so it's a great privilege to be able to welcome him and introduce him before assuming the presidency President Song was the standing member of the secretariat to the Vietnamese Communist Party from 2006 until 2011 he was head of the Party Central Commission on Economic Affairs from 2006 and Party Secretary in Ho Chi Minh City from 1996 to 2000 We are delighted that he's here and look forward to hearing his views Ernie Bauer who heads up the Southeast Asia program and is the cemento chairholder at CSIS is going to field the question and answer period But could I ask you now with your applause to welcome the president of Vietnam? His Excellency President Song Dr. Sean Hamre President and CEO Center of strategic and international studies Ladies and gentlemen friends. I have great pleasure To come here and speak to you at the CI a CSIS in the audience I'm aware of the presence of many renowned scholars Many of you have maintained long-standing interest in Vietnam and Many of you have made outstanding contributions to the relations between Vietnam and the United States My compliments and best wishes to you all Ladies and gentlemen, I Appreciate the role of the CSIS as a pre-eminent strategic think tank in the United States and the world It has played a great role in fostering dialogue and understanding between the political circles academia and the public of the two nations CSIS also plays a very important role in promoting awareness of issues related to security peace stability and prosperity in the region These are the concerns and interests that our nations share And this is a very important and essential factor that helps promote the cooperation Between Vietnam and the United States in the coming period I wish to raise a few thoughts on the strategic environment of the Asia Pacific region and bilateral relations between Vietnam and America in this context The profound and unprecedented changes in the world over the last decades have confirmed Asia Pacific as the most dynamic region in the 21st century Asia Pacific leads the world in economic integration We have 10 out of 20 leading economies here The flow of trade across the Pacific now accounts for two-thirds of the world's total The region also contributes 40% of the world's total growth Today Asia Pacific stands as a destination opportunities for all countries in the world The United States has shared its Pacific Rim with us Europe enjoys long-standing ties with Asia and Countries on the Indian Ocean are closely tied with the Pacific through the Malacca Straits Economic prosperity of all countries be it the United States China Japan Korea or India and ASEAN member states all contribute to the overall prosperity of the region a Prosperous Asia in its dance serves as a catalyst for the development of each country The development of this region is tied to that of the rest of the world Therefore There is little wonder that today's leading powers all place Asia Pacific at the forefront of their foreign policies These enormous opportunities offered by the region are conducive to the trend of cooperation and dynamic connectivity regional forums such as APEC ASEAN continue their important role linking Pacific Rim countries with Asia and Asia with Europe in the last several years in addition to bilateral trade agreements As well as the multilateral trade agreements we note the emergence of more far-reaching Multilateral trade agreements such as trans Pacific partnership TPP free trade agreements in North Asia and the regional comprehensive economic partnership IE RCEP These linkages will make up a sizable share at the world's trade and create new growth engine For and will need to changes in the global economy We can even speak of an eventual free trade agreement that encompasses the entire Asia Pacific FTAAT Needless to say the successful realization of these linkages is of strategic importance to all of us Ladies and gentlemen Our region has fast potentials to offer But to translate them into reality Requires an environment of peace and security in the region Therefore, we must safeguard this environment peace and stability. We must prevent and manage conflicts This is a shared responsibility of countries within and outside the region I believe that the key to a secured peace of Sponsority is to build and consolidate regional structure in this way. We can promote cooperation and create linkages in Among economies among societies in trade politics security and country In this connection, ASEAN has an essential role to play ASEAN countries lie at the crossroads between the Pacific and Indian Ocean We connect all countries in the region large and small ASEAN is at the heart of regionalism in Asia And that is why all countries accept ASEAN's centrality in the emerging regional architecture To ensure peace and security ASEAN will bring to full use the established mechanisms and forums and promote the development and Implementation of instruments norms and rules to ensure freedom safety and security of navigation ASEAN will promote dialogues confidence building measures full implementation of the declaration on the conduct of parties on the South China Sea DOC Settlement of dispute by peaceful means in accordance with the international law and the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Seas Recently ASEAN and China agreed to open Former consultations to it a code of conduct on the South China Sea or COC This is positive yet early signed and we need to continue to work on it To promote its role as the next economic and trade connectivity in Asia ASEAN will double its efforts to forge linkages Among bilateral and multilateral free trade agreements with a view Towards a region-wide free trade agreement The drive toward closer regionalism will serve as the catalyst for economic relations and Intertwined interests Which in turn guarantees lasting peace and stability Major powers always maintain a grip on international relations at multilateral forums and in Asia Pacific to promote relations with external powers and Partners is a priority for both ASEAN and Vietnam in the quest for a Solution to regional security issues. What ASEAN wants to see is the maintenance of peace and stability the effective operation of regional mechanisms and the strict adherence to the international law We hope that all powers will constructively engage in and contribute to this common endeavor ASEAN shall not be a tool for confrontation containment or division as This will benefit no country major powers or smaller countries alike In this context the ASEAN community of 2015 has become the foremost priority for all ASEAN member states for us in Vietnam This is a very important component about foreign policy We have been engaging ourselves in ASEAN affairs in a proactive positive and responsible manner We link our interests with those of ASEAN We strive to help enhance ASEAN's role Stature, unity and consensus Only by doing so can ASEAN have adequate strength to carry out successful The establishment of community building we will work with other member states to consolidate Consolidate the role of the association as the nucleus of regionalism We will intensify our interaction in a profound way with our external partners for the common goals and interests Ladies and gentlemen within this original dynamism and prosperity Relations between Vietnam and the United States have broadened and taken off in many areas in depth in breath and in the quality of cooperation in these areas If you look back on the long roads that we have taken so far historically We can realize the truly enormous dimensions of those steps and achievements You may be aware that about a 100 years ago President Ho Chi Minh stepped the shore the United States on his journey for freedom and independence for his nation He shared the universal aspiration of the mankind as Stated by Thomas Jefferson in the 1776 declaration that established the United States of America the right to life equality liberty and the pursuit of happiness in February 1946 and not long after the founding of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam President Ho Chi Minh wrote to President Harry Truman In which he expressed the desire the two nations To establish full cooperation History had has had many treats and turns Not until 1995 did the two nations established former diplomatic relations But opened a new chapter in the ties between Vietnam and the United States For Vietnam a strengthened relationship with the United States is within the context of our foreign policy in which we seek to ensure independent self-reliance diversification and multilateralization of relations the overall international integration and the deepening of relations with important partners I Just held talks with President Obama Obama this morning and I have the pleasure to announce to you Vietnam and the United States have decided to form a comprehensive partnership between the two countries Accordingly our bilateral cooperation will expand to include all areas including political diplomatic economic trade investment education science and technology defense and security I also had meetings with the Secretary of Commerce Secretary of Agriculture the U.S. Trade representative World Bank president and IMF executive director As well as meetings with senators and congressmen in the Senate committee on foreign relations and Roundtable with enterprises President Obama and his cabinet secretaries stressed that our two countries relations are presented with great opportunities to Move forward and that the United States is committed to boost cooperation with Vietnam in many fields Especially in trade investment and economic ties We continue to establish mechanisms for dialogue and cooperation with concrete plans In order to deepen and bring substances to the growth of bilateral relations Another important element of this visit is that Vietnam and the United States have reintegrated the determination and commitment to work with other partners to bring the TPP Negotiations to a conclusion in accordance with the plant roadmap. We look to a balanced agreement for development With the eventual joining of this leading economic linkage Vietnam has taken a giant step in our overall international integration And in the regional dynamism and prosperity We hope to realize the benefits in trade investment technology access to higher stages of the global and regional value and supply chains We also look to create more jobs to ensure social welfare and to bring the living standard of the population to a higher level Joining the TPP. We also help accelerate economic restructuring and transformation of our growth model And also help further improve the business environment in Vietnam We do not expect this to be an easy process for a developing country like Vietnam We'll make our utmost effort yet we look to see more of the US side's flexibility and cooperation This is a very important factor US business leaders whom I spoke to now affirms their strong support for an overall bilateral ties especially trade investment and they would support a High-standard comprehensive trade agreement that addresses the balanced interest of all parties They would support a transitional period appropriate to Vietnam in the TPP process We are conscious They were now bilateral relations developed in a stable lasting and substantial way that matters not only to both countries But also to regional peace stability and prosperity As well as development in the region You welcome President Obama's commitment to enhance cooperation with the Asia Pacific for peace stability and cooperation in the region The United States views ASEAN as the essential pillar of this policy and supports ASEAN's centrality in the regional architecture The US also voices supports for the maintenance of peace stability security Maritime security and safety in the East Sea Apart from the TPP Vietnam will accelerate cooperation with the United States at various forums including ASEAN led mechanisms Make on sub-regional cooperation is Asia summit an epic in the meantime. We need to work on Outstanding issues that remain between us As a nation with the Pacific tradition Vietnam advocates Showing the past and looking to the future I'm of the view that differences and disagreements exist as a matter of course in any international relation What we need to do is to build confidence to build our relationship Under respect for each other's independence sovereignty equality political system and the principle of mutual benefits Looking back on history of Vietnam US relations The establishment of the comprehensive partnership today is the combination of a forward-looking cooperation push us perceived by both sides It began with efforts for post-war normalization of relations Then the establishment of diplomatic ties in July 1995 hence a new era of Relations between the two countries and peoples in the past 18 years bilateral relations have made great strides 2005 marked yet another milestone with the establishment of a friendly constructive and multifaceted cooperative partnership on the basis of equality mutual respect and mutual benefits With the growth of bilateral ties comes the change in how we work together the policy of Embargo and Circumference sanction as the modality of relations between the two X-folds gave way to the policy of Reconciliation multifaceted cooperation and a fortune constructive partnership Under the principles of respect for each other's political system mutual benefits dialogue and increased exchanges to bridge differences By letter trade and economic ties have been growing fast The United States became Vietnam's largest export market in 2005 Then within 18 years by letter trade saw 54 fold increase by the end of May 2013 US total investment in Vietnam amounted to 10.5 billion dollars ranking seven among countries and territories investing in our country Cooperation in science technology culture education tourism Defense and security has all seen substantial growth A range of activities has been conducted with fruitful results and positive impacts on both sides on such areas as healthcare human intelligence cooperation like mind clearance unexploded ordinances consequences of Asian orange and dioxin Accounting for missing people in the war On the topic of human rights we Acknowledge that there are differences The most viable way To resolve this is to continue our dialogue in a frank manner So as to enhance understanding and to narrow differences It is with that spirit that during the meetings with US Senators and congressmen we exchange views in an open and friendly manner on our bilateral relations including human rights and religious issues I Also invited several religious dignitaries from Vietnam to join me in this visit and they had Frank talks with American international institutions who have interests in these issues ladies and gentlemen The message that I wish to emphasize Is that Vietnam hopes to work with the United States to further this full cooperation in the interest? The two countries people we should work together to nurture a peaceful stable dynamic and prosperous Asia specific And we strive we must strive harder in our cooperation for that common Objective within the principle of mutual respect equality and mutual benefit I thank you. Dr. Chun Hamre And you all For your very cordial reception I hope that the CSI as we continue with your many conferences seminars round stables In order to exchange ideas on the cooperation processes in Asia Pacific I Hope you go exchange ideas on how to boost bilateral relations with Vietnam as well I hope each of you a present here will continue with your activities to Contribute in a significant way towards this process as you have done so far. Thank you Ladies and gentlemen the president has time to take a couple questions, and then he's flying to New York This evening. So if I could see if there are questions, I'd like to call on you gentlemen in the front here Sharing you thought with us. I Have a cup question. I would like to ask you if I may This morning when you met with president Obama Both presidents talk about Bringing opening a new level of bilateral relationship and also talk about comprehensive partnerships My question is that can you tell us What do you think is difference? The new commitment is different or new compared to previous commitment between the two countries Number two if you have to choose one of the features What would if you consider as a most important feature of this new commitment to compensate partnership and number three What do you think? about the possible impact of this new comprehensive partnership to Vietnam relations with Other country in the region. Thank you Thank you very much Let me ask and take another one Stanley Roth here in front Stanley Roth the Boeing company Let me add with the other people in welcoming you to Washington Very good day for the bilateral relationship speaking from someone who was on the 1995 trip with Secretary Christopher I thought I was gonna ask you a question about growth But you spoke so much about that in your speech Instead I'd like to ask you about the strategic environment that you began talking about at the beginning of your remarks Specifically, could you talk about the US rebalancing towards the Asia Pacific region and how Vietnam views that rebalancing in terms of the preservation of peace and stability that you emphasize was important for future growth Okay, we'll take one more question Bonnie Thank You President song and it's a it's a privilege to have you at CSIS I'm Bonnie Glazer and I'm a senior advisor for Asia here The United States and Vietnam Both support the application of international law to manage and resolve the territorial disputes in the South China Sea Recently the Philippines has taken a case submitted to its case to the Arbitrity the international tribunal on the law of the sea and one of the elements of that case is to determine the Legality of China's nine dashed line I wonder whether the film whether Vietnam has considered Putting forward its own case for international arbitration to Potentially resolve some of its Territorial disputes with its neighbors in the South China Sea. Thank you The gentleman here To take Thank you very much How does the American Vietnamese Can play in the Vietnamese relations? Thank you Thank you, Mr. President for being here and Ernie for hosting all of this I'm Dr. Sam Hancock of Emerald Planet Emerald Planet TV and my question is I know that Vietnam With its rapid economic development and growth is also focusing now on the environment and balancing the environmental quality for The future growth of the country and also for the health and welfare of your citizens And I just wondered how that will continue in the future and what we may do to help and assist and thank you for being here, sir Mr. President Mark classic from Georgetown. You mentioned the business environment in Vietnam I wanted to know if you could comment more on private sector business and what Vietnam can do to help bring American businesses to work in Vietnam Thank you, sir. Friends It's a pity that I have to take off for New York at 6 o'clock So we have nearly 30 minutes and we'll try to give brief answers to your questions very very fast and If we still have time you can prepare for the next questions It's unfortunate that we don't have much time for such important meetings like this The first question is about the new commitments of Vietnam and the United States And what's the difference between you know the new commitments and the old one what I can tell you this Following the past 18 years It's a long road in relations between the two countries and we can remember that There's trees and turns, you know, lots of thoughts between the two countries for the normalization There's a lot of thoughts, you know considerations domestically in each country Not just leaders, but also the people the two countries, but we at this time advocated Shaft the past and look to the future and which is sponsored by the United States and the United States And that's why we normalize relations in 1995 And in the past 18 years, it was a long road We began which is economic and trade cooperation you are very well aware of that and then we received the normal trading Permanent normal trade status, and then we have BTA and then new supporter to become the WTO and now each of you Here also supports Vietnam as a partner in the TPP The agreements between President Obama and I this morning as you know is published in the media You may have read all Previously it was just economic and trade right now It's comprehensive cooperation within two countries not just economic and trade, but you know politics policy diplomacy Economic trades as a central education training science and technology overcoming of consequences of war as well as discussions on Areas of differences like human rights and also American Vietnamese You know defense and security overcoming consequences of the war and the East Sea of South China Sea so the interest of each country on Issues are reflected in the agreement on comprehensive partnership between the two countries and I think you can read on Website and you can see the full information about You know the difference is between new commitment and old one and I think is a substantial difference compared to the Time 18 years ago when we normalize relations I think that provides the basic foundation for the further growth of comprehensive cooperation within two countries in the time to come in the interest of the two countries and Contribute to peaceability and cooperation in Asia Pacific and in Southeast Asia You're also asked about the impact of Vietnam US comprehensive Partnership to relations between Vietnam and other countries in the region. I think it's interesting question each Country as a member the United of the United Nations have the right to choose cooperation With any member of the United Nations and that's inalienable rights When we choose to have comprehensive Partnership with you, you know, we take into consideration domestic and international affairs Domestic is okay. I think internationally also okay because the element of this comprehensive partnership is not only in Vietnam's interests or in Americans interests, but also help contributes to Asia Pacific and in Southeast Asia you also mentioned About the strategic environment in the rebalancing of the United States policy in Asia Pacific Are you asking about the importance of this policy? The significance of this policy is that you know, the government of the United States have mentioned Have explained this policy to the world and I think I'm not in position to further explain it But I understand in a simple way that this policy Proceeds from the interest of the United States But it also brings benefits to other countries and we hope that this policy We have contributed to ensuring peace stability cooperation and development and continue to develop and promote dynamism in Asia Pacific and We hope that You will And this will help bring benefit to the United States in our countries in the region The next question is application of international law to settle disputes in the east sea and recently our friends the Philippines has fired Has brought China to the international arbitration tribunal on the law of the sea and What is the position of Vietnam in this regard? So the position of Vietnam is that we always oppose the 9-dash line claim of China because it is a groundless claim both legally and practically and I understand that the CSIS which is a very advanced policy research in the world will help us May help us find out the legal foundation of the 9-dash line claim of China because we cannot find any legal foundation for such a claim on the scientific Basis we do not find any any ground for such a claim and therefore it is the consistent policy of Vietnam to oppose the nine dotted line claim by China and And regarding your question about the litigation of the Philippines To the international arbitration tribunal on the law of the sea regarding China's claim I we believe that we do not have any further comment on the Philippines litigation and believe that the Philippines as a member of the United Nations as all the legal rights to carry on with any Proceedings they would like to have regarding the talks between me and President Obama this morning. I Have on behalf of the Vietnamese people to express our sincere thanks to the Obama administration for their support and assistance extended to the Vietnamese living in the United States and We know that the majority of the Vietnamese living in the United States leading a very successful life both politically and economically and other areas as well and Therefore I have expressed our sincere gratitude to the Obama administration for The care for the support and assistance. They have extended to our compatriots who are living and working in the United States and The second point I have a share with President Obama is that we are confident that our compatriots living in the United States will continue to serve as a bridge to foster the Relations between Vietnam and the United States and also to elevate our bilateral ties on a higher plane and they always play a very important role in this process the next question is the How to ensure the balance between economic growth and environmental protection Perhaps you understand very well the desire of developing countries who wish to Step up the proper process of economic growth and in this process we are Definitely encountered many difficulties and challenges including the lack of a balance between Economic development and environmental protection, but we are also fully aware of the need to ensure The environmental protection in our effort to have sustainable development and therefore The Vietnamese government has taken many policies To protect the environment and we have also called for foreign investment And the assistance of international friends in the field of environmental protection in our country and While I just like to affirm to you that we always attach great importance on this issue and we look forward to your continued advice and Assistance and support in this regard so that we can do better on this issue the final question about the development of the private sector in Vietnam and as you know No, no in our country Lots of private companies and as you know the state sector only Calves for about a 30% share of the economy and Indeed now the Private sector is playing an increasingly in said important role in our economy and it serves as a very important driving force for economic growth and Recently there are about 600,000 Equitized companies or private companies in our country and we believe that together with the development of the country the private sector in our country will prosper and Actually, there are millions of small and medium enterprises active in our country and we attach a great importance to their role in our social and economic life and we And we also value the foreign direct investment in Vietnam And we consider the foreign investors sector as an integral part of the economy And we hope that you will continue to contribute to make contributions to our economic development and Yesterday, I said a sentence that your failure is hours and actually the Vietnamese people would never want to have failure and That is and when you come to Vietnam if you do have any difficulties in your in doing your business and investment Please do not hesitate to to tell us and we are ready to address your difficulties and challenges and Actually, we still have about five minutes left. Thank you very much. Please join me in thanking the president for his remarks Let me let me just thank all of you for coming the the Secret Service has required that you stay seated Well, the president makes his way. He's got to come to New York. Mr. President before we let you go I would like to welcome you back to CSI CSIS anytime and I think the way you're answering questions Maybe the best format would be a fireside chat next time So, thank you very much for coming to CSIS sir Thru a couple of dollars to keep it a day. It's a pretty That Actually, I spoke once at the Hololutu at the East West Center and I spoke so enthusiastically That president may have had to wait for me for 10 minutes and it was not an accident because we knew each other well And next time when I come by to the Internet, I will spend more time and you can you know ask more frank question I think Your questions and comments are very constructive and useful and it helps us and again Thank you very much for your participation and see you again