Illustrative image (Source: VNA)
Talking with the press about the prospect of the second DRPK – USA
Summit going on in Hanoi on February 27-28, Binh said the first summit in
Singapore put an end to their tense confrontation and opened up a new chapter
in bilateral ties as well as situation on the Korean peninsula with points of
principle.
Despite differences in interest, both the DPRK and the US wanted practical
changes, so they decided to conduct negotiations at the highest level.
Based on such realities, he predicted that there will be certainly good
progress in the Hanoi summit with more specific results, saying that the DPRK
could make new strides in nuclear disarmament while the US could announce
several measures loosening sanctions against the Asian country.
Though it is unlikely to reach a peace treaty due to the involvement of other
parties, Binh said a statement on ending the war between the two countries is
possible.
According to him, the two sides will hold more summits in the future. Though
difficulties remain ahead, the door to dialogue, once opened, is hard to be
closed, he said.
He added that the DPRK and the US’s selection of Hanoi as the venue for their
second summit proves their trust on Vietnam as well as Vietnam’s stature in the
region and the world.
The former FM quoted Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh
as saying that Vietnam has been chosen thanks to its contributions to peace and
stability in the region and the world. The best benefit to Vietnam via the
event is its improved stature, he said.
With nearly 3,000 foreign reporters coming to Hanoi and news around the summit,
Vietnam will be the most important spotlight of the world during these days.
The world will learn about Vietnam and the capital Hanoi with ancient vestiges
intertwined with modernity, open and hospitable people, thus attracting more
tourists to the country, Binh stressed.
Moreover, other countries could see Vietnam’s determination and organisation
capacity. Thousands of work were completed within only 10 days.
Binh expressed his hope that Hanoi will not only deserve its title as a "City
for Peace” but also a peace-making city. Not only Hanoi but other localities
nationwide could play such a role to turn Vietnam into a trustworthy
destination for tourism and major events in the region, and mediation efforts
as well.
He expressed his belief that the success of the summit will make Hanoi and
Vietnam become priority destinations for not only peace and development on the
Korean peninsula but also the settlement of other complicated issues in the region
and the world.
Source: VNA