VN praises Cuba-US talks on ties

Viet Nam supports the normalisation of the Cuba-US relationship and views the ongoing high-level talks on the resumption of diplomatic ties between the US and Cuba is a significant step towards a new period in the countries' relationship, Foreign Ministry Deputy Spokesperson Pham Thu Hang said at a press briefing yesterday in Ha Noi.

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Responding to questions about Viet Nam's view on Islamic State members taking two Japanese nationals hostage, Hang said Viet Nam strongly condemned barbaric inhumane acts targeting innocent civilians and supported efforts by the international community to combat terrorism in any form.

Viet Nam endorsed the fight against extremist violence on the basis of the United Nations Charter, respecting the fundamental rights and principles of international law on independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of countries concerned and ensuring the safety of civilians, she said.


Viet Nam was also moving into the end stage of TTP talks, according to Hang, who said the region-wide economic and trade connectivity deal would contribute to realising Viet Nam's policy of broad and all-encompassing international integration, in turn boosting economic expansion.

As talks entered their final stage, negotiators were striving to solve remaining differences in a constructive and positive fashion with regard to each other's interests, she added.

Regarding Viet Nam's stance on the East Sea issue, Hang said Viet Nam firmly requested China immediately desist upgrade and construction projects that damaged or destroyed the status quo of Truong Sa Archipelago and not repeat similar erroneous actions.

She reiterated that Viet Nam had sufficient legal and historical evidence affirming its sovereignty over Truong Sa (Spratly) and Hoang Sa (Paracel) archipelagos.

Viet Nam firmly requested China respect its sovereignty and seriously abide by the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea, she said.