National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan has called on the US Congress to support the approval of resolutions aiming to foster economic and trade ties with Vietnam. 

National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan (R) and Senator John McCain

At a reception for a delegation of the US Senate Committee on Armed Services led by its Chairman Senator John McCain in Hanoi on June 1, the top legislator expressed her wish that the US Congress will continue backing the abolition of the catfish inspection programme of the US Department of Agriculture which has created great barriers to Vietnamese catfish exports to the country. 

She used the occasion to thank the US Congress for its efforts in dealing with post-war consequences, expressing her hope that the two countries will continue making absolute and long-term commitments in this regard.  

She wished that the US Congress and authority would maintain its assistance to dioxin decontamination at Da Nang Airport and roll out the work at Bien Hoa Airport. 

She said Senator John McCain’s visit will contribute to reinforcing relations between Vietnam and the US as well as their legislatures, especially in the context that the bilateral comprehensive cooperation is developing fruitfully. 

Lauding positive support made by US congressmen and tireless efforts of John McCain in particular to enhancing ties, the host called on the two legislative bodies to step up their exchanges and dialogues, including activities of the friendship parliamentary groups. 

She urged John McCain to continue to introduce and bring new US congressmen to Vietnam to help them understand more about Vietnamese culture, land and people, thus better connecting the two countries. 

Ngan noted with pleasure the outcomes of the freshly-concluded official visit to the US by Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc, during which the two countries’ leaders agreed to step up the comprehensive partnership in the interest of their people, and for peace, cooperation and development in the region. 

The chief legislator said the Vietnam-US partnership has made strides over politics, economy, trade, science, technology, culture, education and national defence and security. 

Two-way trade climbed from about 300 million USD in 1995 to 53 billion USD in 2016, she said, stressing that the establishment of the Vietnam-US comprehensive partnership in July 2013 has demonstrated outstanding developments in the bilateral ties. 

For his part, John McCain expressed his delight to witness socio-economic development achievements in Vietnam and progresses in US-Vietnam relations. 

He also applauded Vietnam’s efforts and actions to promote and ensure children’s rights. 

Many US congressmen said they satisfied with the joint statement for enhancing the comprehensive partnership issued during PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc’s visit to the US.

The two sides also discussed regional and international matters of shared concern, including the Eat Sea issue. 

They stressed the importance of guaranteeing peace, stability, maritime and over-flight security and safety in the sea, and handling disputes by peaceful measures and on the basis of respecting diplomatic and legal processes, as well as international law.

VNA