Gen. Chien, who is Head of the Standing Office of the National Steering Committee on the Settlement of Post-war Unexploded Ordnance and Toxic Chemical Consequences (Steering Committee 701), underscored that the AO disaster has left pains and sorrows in not only Vietnam but also the world. Therefore, healing the pains caused by AO is a humanitarian activity and the responsibility of the whole political and social system.

General Chien stressed that over the past time, the Party, State, government, sectors, ministries, and central agencies have ensured the implementation of policies and provision of healthcare services for AO/dioxin victims, receiving support from people nationwide and international friends.

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Senior Lieutenant General Chien presents gifts from the Central Military Commission, Defense Ministry to the center.

The deputy defense minister requested that in the time ahead, Office 701 should work with functional units to support the AO/dioxin victims, while asking the U.S. side to work together with Vietnam to effectively implement projects to improve the AO/dioxin victims’ lives. The Vietnam Association for Victims of AO/dioxin (VAVA) should take measures to mobilize all resources inside and outside the country to help the victims. Meanwhile, Hanoi’s center for nursing and treating AO/dioxin victims should try its best to take care of the victims, thereby showing the care of the Party, State, military and people towards national contributors and their relatives.

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Senior Lieutenant General Chien presents gifts from the Central Military Commission and Ministry of National Defense to AO/dioxin victims.

For his part, U.S. Ambassador to Vietnam Marc Evans Knapper underscored that the cooperation in overcoming war aftermath is the foundation to build the mutual trust between the U.S. and Vietnam, contributing to boosting bilateral relations to become a comprehensive strategic partnership as it is today. He hoped that with remarkable efforts for common interest, the two countries would bring a better future to the AO/dioxin victims.

Translated by Chung Anh