(VNA) - A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the clearance of  unexploded ordnance (UXO)  signed by Irish Minister for Trade and Development Joe Costello and President of the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organisations (VUFO) Vu Xuan Hong in Hanoi on Monday.

The clearance of unexploded ordnance (Photo: Internet)

This is part of the minister’s visit to Vietnam. Ireland is committed to assisting the implementation of Vietnam’s national action programme to overcome the consequences of post-war bombs and mines through activities to clear UXO and support disabled people, including war victims. Costello has approved a new aid package worth EUR600,000 for the Mines Advisory Group (MAG) to conduct UXO clearance activities in the central provinces of Quang Tri and Quang Binh until 2015. He added these activities will be then expanded to the neighbouring Quang Nam province. The Irish Aid will provide a maximum of EUR2 million per year to increase NGOs’ participation in poverty reduction and policymaking as well as improve the rights and role of disabled people in Vietnam.