Socialist Republic of Vietnam

Deputy Prime Minister Vu Khoan, while on a visit to Washington DC, asked the US to bolster co-operation with Vietnam in resolving post-war issues with a focus on the consequences of Agent Orange.

During the visit to Washington DC from December 4-7, Deputy Prime Minister Vu Khoan held talks and met with US Secretary of State Colin Powell, National Security Advisor Codoleezza Rice, Trade Representative Robert Zoellick, Secretary of Agriculture Ann Veneman, Acting Secretary of Commerce Samuel Bodman, Senator Chuck Hagel, Representative Roy Blunt, leaders of major corporations and media organisations.

In an atmosphere of frankness, mutual respect and understanding, Vietnamese and US officials expressed their delight at the recent positive developments in the bilateral relations. Both sides expressed appreciation for the results of the Vietnam-US Bilateral Trade Agreement, which has, in two years, made the US become Vietnam's largest trading partner. Trade between the two countries reaches around US $5 billion.

Deputy Prime Minister Khoan and US officials shared the same view that potential for mutually-beneficial co-operation between the two countries remains great, requiring them both to exert more efforts to turn it into a reality.

To this end, they discussed measures to secure stable, long-term co-operation between the two countries, emphasising respect for independence, sovereignty, and mutually beneficial co-operation on equal footing.

Regarding differences and disputes arising from bilateral relations, they said they believed that these matters should be solved through constructive dialogues and mutual understanding.

US leaders and members of congress lauded Vietnam's achievements in its renovation process as well as its goodwill and co-operation in the search for MIAs, and the fight against terrorism and trans-national crime.

They affirmed their support for Vietnam's accession to the World Trade Organisation (WTO), and expressed their willingness to expand co-operation with the country in trade, technology, agriculture, education and human resources development.

Deputy Prime Minister Vu Khoan reiterated Vietnam's foreign policy of openness and active international integration as well as its efforts to promote equal and mutually beneficial co-operation with the US.

However, Vietnam is opposed to any attempts and moves to interfere into its internal affairs such as Resolution H. Res. 427 recently adopted by the House of Representatives, and demanded that the US rescind the Jackson-Vanik Amendment for Vietnam, Deputy Prime Minister Khoan said.

Later on Sunday, the Vietnamese delegation left Washington DC for Chicago to attend the Vietnam-US Business Forum and then went on to Texas and California. (VNA)