Vietnam-US relations see positive developments in 2006: senior NA official

At the end of his five-day working visit to the US on March 3, Vice Chairman of the Vietnam National Assembly Nguyen Van Yeu expressed his belief that the friendship between Vietnam and the US will see positive changes this year and in coming years.

Mr Yeu told the Vietnam News Agency that his visit was another effort to help further promote friendship and co-operation between the two countries and their legislative bodies.

“The Vietnam-US relations have been developing towards constructive partnership, friendship and multi-dimensional co-operation on the basis of equality, mutual respect and benefits, marked by Prime Minister Phan Van Khai’s official visit to the US last June,” said Mr Yeu.

During meetings with American congressmen, high-ranking officials, scholars and businessmen, Mr Yeu introduced Vietnam’s achievements in the Doi Moi (Renewal) process and the National Assembly’s preparations for the country’s integration into the world economy and admission to the World Trade Organisation (WTO). 

“These meetings helped our friends feel more confident and active in their support activities for Vietnam, and other people who lack understanding about Vietnam produce a correct vision on the country’s renewal process, particularly its efforts to build a transparent and stable legal system,” said Mr Yeu.

US government officials, congressmen and businessmen spoke highly of the on-going Renewal process in Vietnam and the country’s endeavours to accelerate international economic integration.

“The consensus will better contribute to pushing bilateral negotiations on our country’s WTO entry as well as the US Congress’ ratification of Permanent Normal Trade Relations (PNTR) status for Vietnam to conclude early,” the NA leader stressed.

Mr. Yeu said Vietnam is doing its utmost to successfully organise the Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation (APEC) summit, while the US expressed its special concern for the conference and its support for Vietnam in this effort.

He added that a series of Vietnam visits planned in 2006 by US President George W. Bush, the US Secretary of State and other US high-level officials would help boost the co-operation between the two countries.

He also said that the US Congress plays has an essential role in US-Vietnam relations and in the recent past, a number of US Congressional delegations have visited Vietnam to gather information for defining policies on the country. For its part, Vietnam will organise US visits by NA delegates to further the co-operation between the two parliaments and their members.

(Source: VNA)