U.S. Deputy Secretary: Vietnam, U.S. Enter New Chapter of Relationship

The U.S.-Vietnam relationship has entered a new chapter, which is symbolized by President Bush’s visit to Vietnam in 2006 and Premier Nguyen’s visit to the U.S. in June this year, Deputy Secretary of State John Negroponte said at the Brookings Institution July 29.

 

The two countries now enjoy significant and expanding trade and economic ties, an emerging military-to-military relationship, fruitful cooperation on health and development issues as well as growing cultural and educational links, John Negroponte noted.

 

Vietnam has followed a path to growth familiar to many of its successful neighbors such as encouraging private firms, setting up legal institutions and opening itself to global trade via its membership in APEC and WTO, the U.S. diplomat added.

 

The Asean country’s remarkable growth has lifted millions of its citizens from poverty over the past 15 years, he is deeply impressed.

 

During the visit by Mr Nguyen to the U.S. for the first time as the prime ministership from June 23 to 26, he and Bush discussed a range of issues and agreed to heighten the bilateral comprehensive relationship. On this occasion, Bush reiterated his support for Vietnam’s sovereignty, security and territorial integrity.

 

Since normalization of the diplomatic ties in 1995, the bilateral trade has been keeping soaring, reaching US$12 billion last year, and the U.S. is the biggest importer of Vietnam.

 

This year, the bilateral trade value is expected to surpass US$15 billion this year. In the first five months this year, Vietnam shipped US$4.39 billion of goods to the U.S.

 

Now there are 1,000 U.S. firms doing business in Vietnam. (VNA)