Socialist Republic of Vietnam

US House speaker Dennis Hastert will visit Vietnam from 14 to 17 this month, becoming the most senior congressman to Vietnam since the two countries established diplomatic relation a decade ago.
President of the US House of Representatives Dennis Hastert will lead a delegation comprising representatives and senators to Vietnam at the invitation of Nguyen Van An, chairman of Vietnam’s unicameral legislature National Assembly.

The house agenda includes meeting 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 US congress’ granting permanent normal trade relations (PNTR) to Vietnam after the two countries finish negotiations on Vietnam’s admission to the World Trade Organization.

Under US constitution, House of Representatives president or House speaker is second only to the president and vice president in federal hierarchy and stands third in the presidential line of succession.

Source: Thanh Nien News - Reported by Xuan Danh – Translated by Hoang Bao