The delicate nurturing of a unique relationship

by Ton Nu Thi Ninh, vice-chairwoman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the National Assembly

A perspective from Congress

by Reps. Rob Simmons (R-Conn.) and Lane Evans (D-Ill.)

The word "Vietnam" evokes different images and emotions from different people. Those of us who are Vietnam veterans remember the war, of course, while others may remember the anti-war movement of 40 years ago.

For many of us, however, the war is over. Vietnam is a country of 82 million people, two thirds of which were not even alive in 1975. It is time to move forward and recognize that the future of U.S.-Vietnamese relations lies in constructive approaches to our bilateral relations.

Any distortions become meaningless and useless

VOVNews: What do you think about the Party and State’s policy on religious activities and for Buddhism in particular?

Vietnam, Washington establish closer co-operative links

Washington should build on its economic, cultural and educational links with Vietnam for mutual benefit, Prime Minister Phan Van Khai stated while receiving Gary Locke, Governor of the US state of Washington in Hanoi on Wednesday.

Mr Khai thanked Washington for its support of Vietnam’s accession to the World Trade Organisation (WTO). He noted that Washington was the first US state to resume co-operation with Vietnam after the normalisation of relations in 1995. He believed that Washington would further strengthen its co-operation with Vietnam.

Washington trade mission to arrive in Vietnam

A 25-member trade delegation from U.S. Washington state will arrive in Vietnam on Sept. 20 for a four-day visit to promote two-way trade and tourism between the two countries.
Leading the delegation of business, agriculture and education leaders is state Governor Asian-American Gary Locke.

The objective of the visit will be to position Washington as a world leader in two-way trade of goods and services with Vietnam, open more trade doors for companies and farmers in both countries and work with key leaders to improve conditions for businesses, said Mr. Locke.

Vietnam pavilion to be set up at U.S. woodwork fair

The U.S.’ largest producer of furniture recently announced it will set up a Vietnam Pavilion at a November U.S. woodwork fair, allowing opportunities for Vietnamese companies to tap into the US furniture market.

According a Sept. 16 news release of Karel Exposition Management (KEM), the U.S.’ largest producer of regional furniture and accessory markets, the Vietnam Pavilion will be set up at the upcoming 17th Long Beach Furniture & Accessory Market in southern California from Nov. 21 to 23, 2004.

Religious dignitaries, intellectuals protest US decision

Religious dignitaries and intellectuals raised their voices against the US State Department's decision on Vietnam's religious tolerance situation, at the seventh session of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Central Committee (fifth tenure) in Hanoi on September 18.

US Helps Vietnam Prevent Human Trafficking

Counselor for Public Affairs of the US Embassy to Vietnam Louis P. Lantner has voiced support for Vietnam's fight against human trafficking.

Mr Lantner approved an assistance project for the Vietnam Center for Studies and Applied Sciences in Gender-Family-Women and Adolescents (CSAGA) to help it prevent human trafficking as well as assist those who are victims of the crime.

US toxic chemical makers responsible for all victims

US toxic chemicals companies have to take legal responsibility for their products' victims, says Foreign Ministry spokesperson Le Dung on Thursday.

Spokesman Dung made the accusation at a press briefing in response to Tuoi Tre (Young People) newspaper's question on the lawsuit filed by Vietnamese Agent Orange/dioxin victims against US chemical companies .

U.S. officials visit Central Highlands Gia Lai province

Two U.S. diplomats paid a working visit to the Central Highlands province of Gia Lai on Sept. 3 and 4 to study the province’s socio-economic situation as well as religious, ethnic and human rights issues.
The officials, Frank Januzzi, assistant to the U.S. Senate External Affairs Committee, and R. Siui Bergstein, political official from the U.S. Consulate in Ho Chi Minh City, were welcomed by Pham The Dung, chairman of the Gia Lai People's Committee.

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