FM seeks early ratification of Vietnam-US trade agreement




Ha Noi, Jan. 17 (VNA) -- Foreign Minister Nguyen Dy Nien would like the U.S. Congress to make further contributions to improving relations between Viet Nam and the U.S. - especially by ratifying the Bilateral Trade Agreement, BTA, signed last July.

The Foreign Minister was speaking about the efforts by the Congress to boost relations between the two countries while receiving a visiting House of Representatives delegation in Ha Noi on Jan. 16. The delegation is led by Democratic Party leader Richard Gerphardt.

Members of the delegation said they recognised Viet Nam's socio-economic achievements and expressed support for early ratification of the BTA, describing it as a measure to boost development of the two countries' relations.

The delegates said they appreciated the Viet Nam Government and people's cooperation in the search for information about U.S. servicemen listed as missing in action.

Foreign Minister Nien and the U.S. Congress delegation compared notes about Viet Nam's foreign policy, regional situation and the relations between Viet Nam and other Association of Southeast Asian Nations, ASEAN, and Asian countries.--VNA