Minister Giang expressed his pleasure at meeting Senator Chris Van Hollen again since he and other U.S. senators visited Vietnam in April 2023. He affirmed that the Government, Ministry of National Defense, and people of Vietnam always value the contribution of generations of U.S. senators to laying foundation and advancing the relationship between the two countries, as well as supporting Vietnam in addressing war consequences, particularly late Senator John McCain and former Senator Patrick Leahy.
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Gen. Phan Van Giang and Senator Chris Van Hollen at the meeting |
The Vietnamese Defense Minister briefed the host on his successful meeting with U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin. Gen. Giang stated that both sides agreed on measures to further enhance cooperation in various fields. Vietnam prioritizes cooperation in addressing war legacy with the U.S. and appreciates the support and commitment of the U.S. in this area.
Through Senator Chris Van Hollen, Minister Giang expressed hope that the U.S. side would continue to enhance resources for dealing with dioxin-contaminated soil at Bien Hoa Airport and support the thorough handling of dioxin-contaminated soil at Phu Cat Airport; assist Vietnam in clearing post-war unexploded ordnance based on the Cooperation Plan for 2023-2028 signed by both sides; expand the scope, scale, and targets of dioxin remediation in Vietnam; and promote communications activities about the results achieved by both countries in addressing post-war unexploded ordnance and chemical/dioxin contamination in Vietnam.
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Vietnamese Defense Minister talks with Senator Chris Van Hollen. |
The guest suggested both sides effectively implement the Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in searching for, repatriating, and identifying the remains of Vietnamese soldiers who perished, went missing, or were lost in war (signed in 2021), with a focus on sharing experience, information, war artifacts, and supporting DNA testing equipment and technology. The Ministry of National Defense of Vietnam is committed to continuing its close cooperation with the U.S. to effectively implement the program on searching for U.S. soldiers missing in action (MIA).
Also at the meeting, Minister Giang expressed confidence that, in his role, Senator Chris Van Hollen would continue to serve as a bridge between the peoples of the two countries and make significant contribution to promoting Vietnam-U.S. relations in general, and cooperation in addressing war legacy in particular.
Senator Chris Van Hollen thanked General Phan Van Giang for taking the time to visit him and emphasized that, in his capacity, he would continue to promote cooperation with Vietnam, particularly in the field of addressing war consequences, building on the legacy left by previous U.S. senators.
Reported by Thu Trang (from Washington D.C, the U.S.)
Translated by Tran Hoai