Obama says US-Vietnam comprehensive partnership at early stage

US President Barack Obama shakes hands with a local resident as he leaves after having a dinner with Anthony Bourdain at the restaurant in Hanoi, Vietnam May 23, 2016. [Photo/Agencies]

HANOI - United States President Barack Obama on Tuesday said the US-Vietnam comprehensive partnership is still in early stage, urging further cooperation between the two sides.

"Today Vietnam and America are partnership -- The comprehensive partnership is still in its early stage. Let's work together to create real opportunity and prosperity for all of our people," said Obama.

The US president made the remarks while delivering a speech on bilateral ties in Vietnam's capital Hanoi during his ongoing visit to the country.

Obama said that with the announcement on fully lifting ban on defense sales, "the United States is demonstrating our commitment to fully normalize our relationship with Vietnam."

The US president is in Vietnam for a three-day visit starting Monday at the invitation of Vietnamese President Tran Dai Quang.

Vietnam and the United States normalized ties in 1995, two decades after the end of their 19-year war.