Today, Acting Assistant Secretary for the Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs Jonathan Moore met virtually with Assistant Foreign Minister Nguyen Van Thao of Vietnam. They were joined by U.S. Ambassador to Vietnam Daniel Kritenbrink. The meeting deepened cooperation in environment, science, health, and technology issues between the two nations, building on the Mekong-U.S. Partnership Ministerial meeting that was co-chaired by the United States and Vietnam on September 11, 2020.
The United States is expanding engagement with the Mekong region and increasing cooperation with Vietnam to address: global health security; illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing; combating wildlife trafficking; air quality; science and technology; environmental protection in the South China Sea; and transboundary riverine governance of the Mekong River. The United States recognizes Vietnam's efforts to elevate the Mekong sub-region within ASEAN and agrees that a prosperous and healthy Mekong region is fundamental to ASEAN's overall prosperity.
The United States commends Vietnam on its openness to increasing data sharing regarding a variety of environmental issues and will continue to support Vietnam's efforts on improving air quality, water management, and marine debris by sharing satellite and remote sensing data.
