US senator John McCain congratulated the Vietnamese people over the achievements, they had recorded by and said he wished the two countries would sign a trade treaty soon.
Mr McCain was speaking at a reception given to him by National Assembly Chairman Nong Duc Manh in Hanoi on April 26.
Mr McCain thanked Vietnam for its efficient collaboration and assistance in seeking the remains of US servicemen listed as missing in action during the American war. As the nation commemorated the 25 years of Vietnam’s victory, it was time for the two countries to look forward to the future by strengthening economic and trade ties.
Mr Manh said he was glad at the positive development of the bilateral relations over the past few years, particularly after the visit of the US Defence Secretary, William Cohen. Mr Manh said he highly valued the humanitarian assistance given by the US, especially to the victims of last year’s severe floods in the central region.
Mr Manh affirmed Vietnam attaches great importance to co-operating with the US in the principle of letting bygones be bygones and looking forward to the future in the interest of the people of both nations and for peace, friendship and co-operation in the world. Mr Manh affirmed Vietnam’s determination to boost its overall renovation to reach the target of a rich people, a powerful country, and an equitable and civilised society.
Mr Manh made clear that the heavy aftermath of the war was still being felt in the country, particular the consequences of the Agent Orange sprayed by the US army. Mr Manh said that the US should bear responsibility for the consequences of the American war and it should help Vietnam address the consequences.
Mr Manh also said that Vietnam and the US need to continue exchanging views and overcome obstacles to sign a bilateral trade treaty and, once the treaty was signed, the National Assembly would soon consider and ratify it. Mr Manh stressed that the current focus of the two countries’ relations was on economy and trade. Mr Manh said he hoped that with his position, senator McCain would make further contributions to boost bilateral relations, including that between the two legislative bodies.
Senator McCain Hopes for Trade AgreementOn April 25 in Hanoi, Senator McCain was received by Vietnamese Foreign Minister Nguyen Dy Nien.
US Senator John McCain said he was pleased with the development in the relationship between the United States and Vietnam and hoped a bilateral trade agreement would be signed soon between the two countries.
Mr Nguyen Dy Nien welcomed the senator's visit to Vietnam, saying that the Party and government of Vietnam will continue firmly with the doi moi (renovation) process to integrate economically into the region and the world.
The minister drew the senator’s attention to the consequences caused by the war, which ended 25 years ago. He said he hoped the senator, with his influence and public standing, would do something to help overcome those consequences, especially the aftermath of Agent Orange sprayed by US aircraft during the Vietnam War.
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