Socialist Republic of Vietnam

Ha Noi, Jan. 16 (VNA) -- The first U.S. Ambassador to Viet Nam, Pete Peterson, had made active contributions to the normalisation of Viet Nam-U.S. relations, including the signing of the Bilateral Trade Agreement, says Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Phan Thuy Thanh.

Ms.Thanh made her assessment while answering a question from the Viet Nam-based DPA correspondent about Peterson's role in the improvement of Viet Nam-U.S. relations in Ha Noi on Jan. 16.

Asked to respond to news reports that Pete Peterson would continue in his position as ambassador to Viet Nam, Ms. Thanh noted that with his experience and understanding, any continuation of Peterson's work in Viet Nam would create favourable conditions for boosting relations between the two countries.

This would include implementation of the Bilateral Trade Agreement signed in July 2000.

As to the postponement of a visit to Viet Nam by U.S. Pacific Forces Commander Dennis Blair, the spokesperson said Viet Nam would welcome his visit, but "as we are busy now, we wish to receive Mr Dennis Blair at a convenient time for both sides," she said.--VNA