USA reiterates support for Vietnam
During a three-day visit to Vietnam US Defense Secretary Ash Carter reiterated a pledge of US$18 million in financial aid for the purchase of five US-built patrol boats.
The patrol boats, made by Louisiana-based firm Metal Shark, and will help Vietnam patrol territorial waters.
The US delivery of high-speed boats to Vietnam is part of a package that includes training and maintenance. Some Vietnamese coast guard members are already undergoing six months of training in the USA.
The deal was originally announced on 16 December 2013 by Secretary of State John Kerry ‘to enhance the capacity of coastal patrol units
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