The two sides praised cooperation in resolving war consequences, including recovering soldiers’ bodies, removing unexploded bombs and mines, and detoxifying soil contaminated with Agent Orange. The two officials said these efforts have helped heal war wounds, strengthened mutual trust, and created motivation for other areas of cooperation between the two countries.

Deputy Minister Vinh asked US authorities to continue close contact with Vietnam to complete ongoing projects and improve public awareness of the humanitarian results the two countries have achieved. Mr. Vinh congratulated Mr. Kritenbrink for his new position as Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs and called for his help in obtaining more US funding for projects dealing with war consequences in Vietnam.

Mr. Kritenbrink vowed to continue helping Vietnam deal with war aftermath. He gave Mr. Vinh a Senate-certified document praising the US-Vietnam collaboration.