Diplomat Praises US-VN Relationship, Discusses Preparation for VN President's US Visit

Economic, cultural and political relationships between the US and Vietnam have developed broadly since the two countries restored diplomatic ties 12 years ago, US diplomat Christopher Hill said last Thursday.

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U.S. Assistant Secretary C. Hill is received by Vietnamese President Nguyen Minh Triet in Hanoi May 23rd.
Hill, who met Vietnam President Nguyen Minh Triet on Wednesday, told a news conference in Hanoi that the Southeast Asian country could be proud of its economic growth.

Vietnam has introduced gradual economic market reforms in the last 20 years and its economy is growing at an annual rate of 8 percent.

Hill, the US Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs, said he discussed plans for Triet to visit the US this year.

Foreign Ministry's Spokesman Le Dzung told the media on Monday that Vietnamese President Nguyen Minh Triet is scheduled to pay an official visit to the United States in the coming time at the invitation of U.S. President George W. Bush.

He said both side are actively preparing for the visit and an advance team from Vietnam's Foreign Ministry is expected to depart for the United States this week to coordinate the visit.


Source: Thanh Nien, Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs