Socialist Republic of Vietnam

Ha Noi, Feb. 21 (VNA) -- A U.S. congressman has said he believes the U.S. Congress will ratify the Viet Nam-U.S. Trade Agreement soon.

Chairman of the U.S. House of Representatives Judiciary Committee, James Sensenbrenner emphasised the ratification would be made soon, during a reception given in his honour by Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Manh Cam in Ha Noi on Feb. 21., Sensenbrenner added that the U.S. House of Representatives and the President would support the Agreement.

The U.S. parliamentarian exchanged views with the Deputy Prime Minister about such issues as ownership of intellectual property and Viet Nam's laws concerning the implementation of the agreement.

The Deputy Prime Minister welcomed the visit by the Judiciary Committee Chairman, saying that the cooperation between the two legislatures had helped boost the relationship between the two countries. He also said he believed that the chairman would continue his support for the bilateral Trade Agreement so that it would soon be ratified by the U.S. Congress as well as Viet Nam's National Assembly.

Earlier the same day, Sensenbrenner had working sessions with the National Assembly's Law Committee Chairman Vu Duc Khien and Deputy Justice Minister Ha Hung Cuong. They exchanged views about issues relating to laws, justice and others issues of common concern.

During his stay in Viet Nam until Feb. 24, Sensenbrenner will meet with leading officials of the Supreme People's Court, the Supreme People's Procuracy and the Science, Technology and Environment and the Culture and Information Ministries. He will also visit Ho Chi Minh City.--VNA