Pacific Partnership 2018 kicks off in Khanh Hoa

U.S. and Vietnamese PP18 leaders at Nha Trang Port

Khanh Hoa, Vietnam, May 17, 2018 – With the agreement of the Government of Vietnam, the Pacific Partnership Program 2018 (PP18) kicked off in Khanh Hoa province, Vietnam on May 17, 2018, with the participation of U.S. Navy’s logistic ships USNS Mercy (T-AH 19) and USNS Brunswick, and Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force JDS Osumi.  Apart from the United States and Japan, PP18 includes United Kingdom, Canada, France, Australia, Sri Lanka, Chile, Peru, and some local, regional and international organizations such as the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and Project Hope … This is the ninth time the Pacific Partnership (PP) was held in Vietnam and the second consecutive time in Khanh Hoa province.

Pacific Partnership 2018 (PP18) leaders from the United States and Vietnam at the PP18 press conference, with the USNS Mercy Ship (T-AH 19) in the background
Pacific Partnership 2018 (PP18) leaders from the United States and Vietnam at the PP18 press conference, with the USNS Mercy Ship (T-AH 19) in the background

Khanh Hoa province has coordinated with other ministries, sectors, the United States and Japan to hold events for 15 days to promote cooperation in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HA/DR) and advance Vietnam-U.S. comprehensive partnership and the friendship and cooperation with participating countries.

During their stay in Vietnam, PP18 leaders from the United States and Japan will pay courtesy calls on Khanh Hoa People’s Committee; coordinate with local agencies to conduct humanitarian activities such as medical examination and treatment for people; exchange medical expertise; renovate and repair schools and clinics; and partner in community engagements.

PP18 will continue its activities in Khanh Hoa through June 2, 2018.