Socialist Republic of Vietnam

(Washington, DC Oct 25, 2001)

Dear Director Judith Sloan,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is my pleasure to be at the Asia Society and to meet with you today. Many colleagues of mine, who have been in the United States hosted by the Society told me how warm they felt whenever they were in this room and talked to the friends of the Society and Vietnam. And now I do feel this warmth. I wish it could be colder today for me to feel more warm. May I thank you very much, dear friends, for your invitation and hospitality.

In these days, the American people have been experiencing a hard time due to terrorist attacks. We extend to the American people our sympathy and share their sadness. Life has never been as simple as we want it to be. However, I am very glad that you are overcoming numerous difficulties and getting life back to normal. Our meeting today truly demonstrates our shared endeavors in moving things forwards, including the relationship between Vietnam and the United States.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

The relations between our two countries are now at a critical point. I am convinced that you all share my elation over the US Senate