Socialist Republic of Vietnam

Dec. 12 (VNA) -- Viet Nam and the United States have agreed to build their bilateral relationship based on respect for independence and sovereignty, and equal and mutually beneficial cooperation in the interests of each country, for peace, stability and development in Southeast Asia, the Asia-Pacific and elsewhere in the world.

The agreement was reached during Viet Nam's Permanent Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung's five-day visit to the United States, which began on Dec. 9. Mr. Dung was accompanied by Trade Minister Vu Khoan, Planning and Investment Minister Tran Xuan Gia, Construction Minister Nguyen Manh Kiem, senior Government officials, and business managers of more than 50 companies.

Deputy PM Dung held talks and working sessions with National Security Advisor Condeleezza Rice, acting Secretary of State Richard Armitage, Secretary of Commerce Donald L. Evans, Trade Representative Robert Zoellick and other U.S. officials and lawmakers.

He witnessed the exchange of letters implementing the Viet Nam-U.S. bilateral trade agreement (BTA), in effect from Dec. 10 this year, attended two forums on Viet Nam-U.S. economic ties, and addressed John Hopkins University professors and students.

Deputy PM Dung and the U.S. officials spoke of the significance of the BTA to the development of Viet Nam-U.S. relations. They shared the view that BTA implementation is a top priority in their efforts to expand bilateral cooperation in all areas.

The U.S. pledged support to Viet Nam's accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO) and technical assistance to Viet Nam. Regarding controversial issues, the two sides agreed to continue dialogues to promote mutual understanding.

The Vietnamese side stressed the need to retrain from any action that might sabotage the sensitive relations between the two countries. It also demanded the U.S. abolish the Jackson-Vanik Amendment and totally reverse the decision to approve the Human Rights Act. Viet Nam also asked the U.S. to boost cooperation in resolving war consequences, including the aftermath of Agent Orange.

As for the fight against terrorism, Viet Nam sympathized with the U.S. Government and people over the September 11 tragedy and affirmed its stance opposing terrorism in all forms. Viet nam expressed a willingness to cooperate with the U.S. and the international community in taking every necessary measure within the U.N framework and international rules to eradicate terrorism from the world.

On the evening of Dec. 11, Deputy PM Dung and his entourage left Washington for New York before going to San Francisco to continue the U.S. visit.--VNA