Socialist Republic of Vietnam

Top Vietnamese, US lawmakers wish for stronger ties
04/14/2006 -- 20:14(GMT+7)

Ha Noi (VNA)- National Assembly Chairman Nguyen Van An and US House of Representatives Speaker Dennis Hastert came out of their talks in Ha Noi on April 14 with consensus on the need to boost bilateral ties.

Chairman An told his guest that the two countries should promote relations in all fields ranging from politics to economics, trade, investment, science-technology, education-training, culture and defence in the future.

With the signing of the Bilateral Trade Agreement, the US has become Viet Nam's largest trade partner, said the Vietnamese chief legislator.

He also made clear Viet Nam's external policy to become a friend and trusted partner to all other countries, including the US, in the interest of peace, friendship and cooperation for development in the region and the world as a whole.

The National Assembly has played an important role and greatly contributed to the law-making reform in general, thus helping the country meet the requirements of WTO membership, An said.

He alsotook this opportunity to explain to his guest some issues of US Congressional concern such as the monetary market and the fight against corruption in Viet Nam.

For his part, Speaker Hastert emphasised that it's time for the US and Viet Nam to develop an open, transparent and mutually-trusted relationship in both words and action.

He said he highly valued Viet Nam's rich human resources as an ideal factor for development.

Hastert agreed with a proposal raised by Chairman An for further exchange of visits and cooperation programmes to increase mutual understanding and confidence between the two parties.

The top US lawmaker said he personally advocated the passage of a permanent normal trade relations (PNTR) status for Viet Nam. He promised that he would work harder for this target when the issue is brought before the Congress.

Hastert said that President George W. Bush was looking forwards to his visit to Viet Nam at the end of this year, as the President mentioned at their meeting prior to this visit.

He took this opportunity to express thanks to Viet Nam for its Government and people's cooperation in finding US servicemen listed as missing in action (MIA) during the American war in Viet Nam.--

US lawmaker hints early end to WTO talks with Viet Nam
04/14/2006 -- 20:08(GMT+7)

Ha Noi (VNA)- During a meeting with Prime Minister Phan Van Khai in Ha Noi on April 14, US House of Representatives Speaker Dennis Hastert said he hoped that bilateral negotiations on Viet Nam's World Trade Organisation membership would conclude soon.

Hastert recalled PM Khai's visit to the US in June of 2006 as a major contribution to the development of friendship and fruitful relations between the two countries.

Hastert's view was echoed by his accompanying members of the US Congress, who highly valued the dynamic economic growth in Viet Nam. Many said they hoped that the two countries would further promote economic and commercial ties.

The US Congresspeople, who arrived in Viet Nam on April 12, raised their viewpoints after Prime Minister Phan Van Khai proposed that the two countries conclude bilateral negotiations on Viet Nam's WTO bid and that US Congress give Viet Nam permanent normal trade relations status.

Khai also affirmed Viet Nam's policy of developing multi-faceted cooperation in a long-term and stable foundation with the US.

The two countries have made progress in their relations, especially in trade, as demonstrated by the increasing number of US businesses coming to invest in Viet Nam, said the Vietnamese leader.

The coming visit to Viet Nam by the US President on the occation of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting to take place in Ha Noi late this year will be of historical significance to both sides, emphasised Khai.

The Government leader concluded by saying that he hoped for US help with Viet Nam's successful organisation of the APEC Viet Nam 2006, concluded the Government leader.--Enditem

U.S. House Speaker starts first visit to Vietnam

U.S. House Speaker Dennis Hastert (L) gives HCMC People's Council chaiwoman Pham Phuong Thao a warm handshake as he lead a delegation on an official visit to Vietnam (Photo:SGT)

By YEN DUNG

(SGT-HCMC) A delegation of the U.S. Congress led by Speaker of the House of Representatives Dennis Hastert yesterday had talks with leaders of HCMC as they arrived in the city to begin a four-day official visit to Vietnam.

HCMC People’s Council chairwoman Pham Phuong Thao, in a meeting with the U.S. guests at the City Hall, said the visit was an important event at a time the country was about to convene the 10th Party Congress.

The visit, made following an invitation by National Assembly (NA) Chairman Nguyen Van An, is aimed at promoting mutual understanding between the two legislatures and relations between the two countries, says an NA communiqu.

Hastert will leave for Hanoi tomorrow and will stay there until April 17, a day before the start of the eight-day 10th Party Congress when the key socio-economic development course is set and new Party leaders are named.

Hastert, who is one of the most powerful leaders of the U.S., told the city council chairwoman that the visit aims to verify information about Vietnam’s social and economic development.

A well-informed source told the Daily that the US delegation considered the visit as an inspection tour to look into the implementation of the U.S.-Vietnam bilateral trade agreement. The visit will also focus on Vietnam’s proposal asking the U.S. Congress to offer Vietnam the Permanent Normal Trade Relations, a vital condition for Vietnam to gain its ticket to join the World Trade Organization.

Therefore, the visit, including meetings with NA Chairman An and Prime Minister Phan Van Khai, will be very important in the U.S. Congress review to put Vietnam out of the list of Countries of Political Concern (CPC).

At a meeting with HCMC vice chairman Nguyen Thien Nhan soon later yesterday, the two sides discussed globalization, the transparency of Vietnam’s law system, efforts of Vietnam authorities and people to implement intellectual property rights as well as latest moves in Vietnam’s WTO entry bid.

Questions raised by the U.S. congressmen at the meetings yesterday included policies for foreign investors in infrastructure, healthcare and education sectors, and the sky-high import tariffs for imported new cars and used cars.

Hastert at the meetings mentioned that the two sides were preparing for the first visit by the U.S. President to Vietnam in the near future, a landmark in the history of U.S.-Vietnam relations.

US HOUSE SPEAKER VISIT VIETNAM

Thanh Nien News - 13/4/2006

Dennis Hastert, Speaker of the US House of Representatives, arrived in Ho Chi Minh City late Wednesday on a four-day visit at the invitation of Vietnam National Assembly Chairman Nguyen Van An.
The official visit was set from April 14 to 17 in Hanoi where the US Congressional delegation will meet with Prime Minister Phan Van Khai, chairman Nguyen Van An, and other senior officials.
A source told Thanh Nien the two sides would discuss the granting of permanent normal trade relations (PNTR) by the US Congress to Vietnam after the two countries finish negotiations on Vietnam’s admission to the World Trade Organization.
In Ho Chi Minh City Thursday, the delegation will meet the US Consul General and leaders of American Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam (AmCham).
The delegation will also meet with the City People’s Committee leaders the same day, before going to Hanoi.
Hastert, 64, serving as speaker since 1999, is accompanied by Congressman Michael G. Oxley, Chairman of the House Committee on Financial Services, Congressman Snerwood L. Boehlert, Chairman of the House Committee on Science, and Frank D. Lucas, Paul D. Rya, Ray H. Lahood, and Dan Boren, all congressmen.