AMBASSADOR RICE MEETS WITH VIETNAMESE PERMREP LE

C O N F I D E N T I A L USUN NEW YORK 000115 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 02/05/2019 TAGS: PREL PGOV UNSC VM SUBJECT: AMBASSADOR RICE MEETS WITH VIETNAMESE PERMREP LE Classified By: Ambassador Rice, for Reasons 1.4 (b) and (d) ¶1. (C) During an initial meeting with Vietnamese PermRep Le on February 5, Ambassador Rice reviewed U.S. priorities and said we wished to try to amplify bilateral cooperation, especially on development and climate change. Le agreed, adding that the positive relationship between the U.S. and Vietnam allows for shared priorities and mutual respect for differing opinions. Development is Vietnam's top priority, Le said, adding that broadening development opportunities for other countries is essential, even in the Council. Ambassador Rice said security and development are closely linked and reiterated the importance of development to the Obama Administration. She also underlined the importance of strengthening capacity building for peacekeeping operations (PKOs),stressing the need to close the growing gap between the increasing demands placed on PKOs and their capacity to respond. ¶2. (C) On climate change, Le said Vietnam is one of six countries most seriously affected by climate change. Outlining Vietnamese efforts to strengthen climate change mechanisms, he said Vietnam is constructing new homes and developing crops more resistant to flooding. He noted that Vietnam is also working to increase awareness of the issue among its citizens. Vietnam is flexible on whether the issue is raised in the Security Council, he continued, and broadly welcomed any U.S. initiative on the matter. Ambassador Rice reiterated the importance of climate change to the Administration, noting that climate change has clear security implications and should be addressed in a variety of fora. ¶3. (C) Le raised the need for Vietnam's mission to the UN in New York to have "visa function." (Note: Le focused mainly on the ability to issue visas from New York, de-linking the visa function from the need for a new consulate. End Note.) The majority of requests come from American businessmen, he added, and the mission has to collect the passports and forward them on to Washington or San Francisco. He said it would make more sense to be able to issue the visas in New York. Le acknowledged the issue was under discussion in Washington, and asked for an update. ¶4. (U) Action request: Please provide guidance soonest. Rice