US Secretary of State Madeline Albright Visits Vietnam

US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright arrived in Hanoi on September 6 to begin a two-day visit Vietnam.

Ms. Albright paid courtesy visits to General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Le Kha Phieu and Prime Minister Phan Van Khai, and had talks with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Nguyen Manh Cam.

At the meetings, Vietnam and the US exchanged views on bilateral relations and on regional and international issues of common concern.

The two sides were satisfied with improvements in relations between the two countries since diplomatic relations were established in July 1995.

They were aware of the significance of the Vietnam-US trade agreement based on equality and mutual interests that will mark an economic and commercial normalisation between the two countries.

On September 7, the US Secretary of State witnessed the return of remains collected by both countries of US servicemen missing in action during the American war. The US side highly appreciated the good will of Vietnam in this humanitarian issue.

Before leaving Vietnam, Ms. Albright travelled to Ho Chi Minh City where she met the Chairman of the City People