Vietnamese, US Presidents holds talks

At the talks, the two leaders showed their confidence that President Nguyễn Minh Triết's visit to the US will help to bring the Vietnam-US relationship into a new arena. They agreed to increase contacts at all echelons, especially high-ranking level, at bilateral and multilateral forums.

The two Presidents expressed their pleasure at new developments of the bilateral ties, especially in economy, trade and investment, after the official visit to Vietnam by President George Bush in November 2006.

The two sides reached many important agreements. A trade and investment framework agreement was signed during President Nguyễn Minh Triết's visit to the US. The two governments will make better efforts to develop the exiting constructive and friendly partnership on the basis of stability, comprehensiveness and efficiency.

The two leaders also discussed on many solutions to solidify cooperation in the fields of politics, economy, trade, science and technology, education, humanitarian activities and other issues of common concern.

Speaking to reporters at a press briefing after the one-hour talks, President George Bush thanked his Vietnamese counterpart for Vietnam's help in searching for and returning the remains of US troops missing in action from the Vietnam War. He added that the US Congress recently approved a bill to aid Vietnam in resolving problems relating to Agent Orange/dioxin contamination and provide further support for Vietnam's fight against HIV/AIDS.

The Vietnamese President told the attending media that he and President George Bush had a very constructive discussion on issues of different views, especially religions and human rights. The two sides agreed to maintain a regular dialogue to increase mutual understanding while determined to not let these differences negatively impact their partnership. President Nguyễn Minh Triết emphasized that Vietnam is a country of stability, peace and friendship and the Vietnamese people want to befriend Americans. "The two nations should walk together towards the future," the President said. The Vietnamese leader concluded by extending a greeting to overseas Vietnamese that reside in the US and hoped that they would serve as a bridge in fortifying the burgeoning friendship between Vietnam and the US.

After the feast hosted by his US counterpart, President Nguyễn Minh Triết left Washington D.C. for Los Angeles. On June 22 (local time), President Nguyễn Minh Triết arrived at Orange District where a large population of overseas Vietnamese are settling. The State President  had a frank and confidential meeting with close to 1,000 Vietnamese Americans representing over 1.5 million Vietnamese nationals in the US.  

President Nguyễn Minh Triết stressed that June 22 is a "wonderful day". He said “Why we come here? Because we want to express our sentiments and desire to meet all of you here. We are Vietnamese. We should close the past. Let's love and unite each other because we are descendants of the good mother Vietnam. We should make the Vietnamese country more and more powerful”.

President Nguyễn Minh Triết called for putting aside all prejudices against those that have opposing opinions and uniting to build Vietnam into a powerful and prosperous country. “This is not only my words and opinion but also the desire of the whole Vietnamese nation and the will of the Vietnamese Party and State,” he said.

The State President went on to say that, since September 01, 2007, all overseas Vietnamese will be exempted from entry visa into Vietnam. He also revealed that such issues as double nationality and house purchase of overseas Vietnamese are also considered and will be tackled in a proper way.

By Hoàng Nguyên Hồ