(Photo: VNA)

Vietnamese delegates delivered speeches affirming that resolving issues in the aftermath of war, including searching for US MIAs, is among the top priorities of Vietnam-US cooperation. The humanitarian partnership is a motivating factor for their collaboration in the future, contributing to building bilateral trust.

Deputy Defence Minister Sen. Lieut. Gen. Nguyen Chi Vinh told the conference: “Many measures to build trust have been taken, one of which is that of resolving issues in the aftermath of war. We want to establish equal and friendly relations for the mutual benefit of both nations in resolving war consequences. The US will see Vietnam as a reliable partner. Vietnam is a peace-loving country and if we can build trust, that can be the foundation for future cooperation in any number of fields.”

US Senator Patrick Leahy said the US government and Congress will carry through commitments made by their leaders and the US will continue to provide funds for Agent Orange/dioxin victims in Vietnam."Each of us will live to their own memories, emotion, and opinions. For me, it can be no excuse for that war, the destruction and suffering it caused. We can all be proud of the way our two countries work to overcome that tragic legacy. We have come a long way. We have further to go and we'll go there together." Leahy said.

Patrick Leahy said he will lead a delegation of American congressmen to Vietnam in April to attend the inauguration of the dioxin remediation project at Bien Hoa airport, and the signing of an MOU with Office 701on launching a fund to support the project.