Socialist Republic of Vietnam

(VNA) -- The U.S. Senate on Wednesday, Oct.3, voted 88-12 to approve a bill to establish normal trade ties with Viet Nam.

Seven of the 11 Senators taking the floor had asked for the endorsement. Senator John McCain, who spent years as a prisoner of war in Viet Nam, said he supported normalizing trade relations as he could "no longer see the benefit of fighting over it."

The bilateral trade agreement (BTA), signed by Viet Nam and the United States on July 13, 2000, was approved by both the U.S. Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives. The legislation is awaiting for a ratification of U.S. President George W. Bush.

Immediately after the Senate's approval, President George W. Bush stated that he welcomed the endorsement, considering it a "significant step" towards stronger ties between the United States and Viet Nam.

"The agreement will provide American companies with access to a large and growing market," President Bush said.

Statement of Foreign Affairs Ministry Spokeswoman Phan Thuy Thanh on October 4th, 2001:

We welcome the US Senate