A delegation from the Vietnamese National Assembly’s Committee for External Affairs visited the U.S. from Jan 13-16 and held working sessions with the U.S. Senate, House of Representatives, government officials and business circles.
The delegation led by Vice Chairman Ngo Quang Xuan met with U.S. Senator Richard Lugar, vice chair of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, Congressman William Delahunt, chair of the Subcommittee on Human Rights of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs and Congressmen Russ Carnahan, Adam Smith and Jeff Fortenberry.
The two sides’ discussions focused on measures to intensify bilateral relations in various areas, including politics, economics, trade, culture and education.
“Although the two sides have differences in their view on some matters, this should not hinder the two countries’ cooperation and common interests, the U.S. politicians said, adding that more exchanges on various matters, including human right and religious issues, should be promoted to enhance mutual understanding and reduce differences.
During their meeting with U.S. businesses, the Vietnamese delegation received the U.S. investors’ commitment to continue their operation in the country.
In an interview by Vietnam News Agency, Xuan said that “We have good reason to hope that in 2009, relations between the two countries in general and the two national assemblies in particular will develop strongly.”
In the near future, Xuan went on to say, activities will be held to intensify relations between members of parliaments of Vietnam and the U.S., the ASEAN and the U.S., and among member countries of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation forum.
He said NA committees will extend relations with their U.S. partners. The NA together with relevant organizations will enhance people-to-people diplomacy for an overall vigorous relationship in the coming years. (VNA)
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