US seeks closer ties with Indonesia, Vietnam

Washington Jan 23 (IANS) US Defence Secretary James Mattis has said he is looking forward to cementing America s ties with Indonesia and Vietnam during his week-long trip to the two countries.

"We re going to continue our efforts to maritime cooperation but also support Indonesia as a sort of fulcrum between the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean " the transcripts provided by the US Defence Department of conversations between Mattis and the reporters accompanying him on a plane to Jakarta stated on Monday.

Answering questions as to what he hoped to achieve in Vietnam he said he would "just sit down and talk with" Vietnamese officials and seek "pragmatic steps" to move the two militaries relationship to "one of trust and collaboration".

It will be Mattis first visit to both Indonesia and Vietnam as US Defence Secretary.

"I ll be doing a lot of listening " he said adding he had a "full agenda" with his counterparts in the two countries.

Mattis will meet Indonesian President Joko Widodo and Defence Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu during his three-day stay before heading to Hanoi. Mattis did not reveal his Vietnam schedule.

--IANS
soni/mr