Prime Minister receives Kerry, Peterson

Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc (right) has talks with former US State Secretary John Kerry in Hanoi on January 18. - VNA/VNS Photo Thong Nhat

The PM also promised to direct agencies to consider Kerry’s proposal for a Vietnamese partner to form a joint-venture that will build a wind power mill in the country, adding that the Vietnamese Government always considered renewable energy a priority.

He said he hoped Kerry and partners would make further contributions to Vietnam-US ties.

Kerry said the delegation included those who previously urged the US to lift embargos on Vietnam and promote partnership between the two countries.

As Vietnam was facing the impact of climate change in the Mekong Delta and a shortage of power for development, he said he knew of banks and international organisations that are interested in investing in clean power in the country. Therefore, he wished to receive support from the Vietnamese Government, ministries, agencies and localities in the regard.

He expressed his belief that on the back of the past experience in similar projects in other countries, the project in Vietnam would be a success.

Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc (right) shakes hands with the first US ambassador to Vietnam Pete Peterson in Hanoi on January 18. - VNA/VNS Photo Thong Nhat

On the same day, PM Phuc also had talks with Pete Peterson, the first US ambassador to Vietnam in 1997. Peterson expressed his delight over the thriving ties between the two countries, especially after the US’s removal of trade embargos on Vietnam. He said it was a great honour for him to serve as the first US Ambassador to Vietnam.

There are several American investors showing interest in the operation of the Hanoi-Hai Phong expressway, he said, adding that he had made efforts to seek corporations who have strong financial capacity and considerable experience to invest in the project.

PM Phuc spoke highly of Peterson’s thorough understanding about Vietnam, asking him to send documents to authorities to discuss his initiatives further.

He ordered the Ministry of Transport to coordinate with relevant agencies to study and propose detailed plans.