VietNamNet Bridge - Vietnam and the US should strengthen bilateral relations in accordance with joint statements reached by their leaders in May 2005 and November 2006.

State President Nguyen Minh Triet made the remark while receiving the US Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs, Christopher Hill, in Ha Noi, on May 23.

The Vietnamese leader said the two nations now hold a great opportunity to boost their ties thanks to Vietnam’s integration into the world economy, its accession to the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and the granting of US permanent normal trade relations to the South East Asian state.

President Triet also said that Vietnam and the US must keep channels of communication open so as to increase their understanding of each other and deal with their differences for a long-term and stable relationship.

The President thanked the US government for its assistance to Vietnam to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS and bird flu as well as its help in programmes that deal with social problems left over from the war.

Hill said that he was delighted with the positive direction that the US-Vietnam relationship is heading in and stressed that it was time for all out efforts to be made in building on the foundation they currently enjoy and expand into other areas.

Earlier, the US Assistant Secretary of State met with Minister, Chairman of the Government Office Doan Manh Giao, and worked with Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Van Bang.

(Source: VNA)