Vietnamese and US Foreign Ministers Hold TalksForeign Minister Nguyen Dy Nien welcomed US Secretary of State Colin Powell's visit to Vietnam and the United States' policy to continue developing its relationship with Vietnam, including the ratification process of the bilateral trade agreement.Minister Nien held talks in Hanoi on July 25, with his US counterpart, Colin Powell, who has been in Hanoi for the Eighth ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF-8) and the meeting of foreign ministers of ASEAN member countries and their dialogue partners. The two diplomats discussed regional and international issues of common concern. Mr Nien affirmed Vietnam's wish to continue strengthening co-operative ties with the US in the interest of both nations and for peace in the region and the world on the principles of respect for each other's independence, sovereignty, non-interference in each other's internal affairs, equality, and mutually beneficial co-operation. He also assured his counterpart of Vietnam's continued co-operation with the US in settling issues relating to US servicemen missing in action. He asked the US side to co-operate with Vietnam in overcoming the consequences of Agent Orange chemical sprayed during the American war. Secretary of State Powell affirmed his desire to co-operate with Vietnam to settle humanitarian issues left by the war. He expressed his satisfaction at the development of the US-Vietnam relationship in the recent past. He said that the Bush administration would continue to boost its relationship with Vietnam and support the US Congress's ratification of the bilateral trade agreement. The talks took place in a frank and constructive atmosphere with mutual understanding and respect. |
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