Socialist Republic of Vietnam

Vietnam and the US need to continue dialogues to solve differences to enhance bilateral ties, Deputy Prime Minister Vu Khoan told the visiting US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State, Eric John, Tuesday.

The two sides met during John’s Vietnam visit to discuss with Vietnamese officials issues of mutual concern, including law enforcement, healthcare, HIV/AIDS, avian influenza, and issues of religious freedom and human rights.

The two officials agreed that there had been “remarkable progress” in different aspects of the Vietnam-US ties over the past decade, especially after Prime Minister Phan Van Khai's visit to the US in June this year.

They both affirmed the determination to boost bilateral ties to a new height on the basis of the agreements reached by the two countries' leaders during PM Khai's US visit.

Khoan said he appreciated President George Bush's recent decision to remove Vietnam from the list of countries that are major transit points or producers of illegal drugs.

For his part, John assured the host of the US's support for Vietnam's efforts to integrate into the international economy, which was strongly reflected in its bid to become a member of the World Trade Organization.

During his Vietnam visit, Eric John was received by Foreign Minister Nguyen Dy Nien and had working sessions with officials from the Trade Ministry, the Party Central Committee's External Relations Commission, and the National Assembly's External Relations Committee.

(Source: VNA)
Story from Thanh Nien News
Published: 28 September, 2005, 12:08:54 (GMT+7)
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