Sen. Lieut. Gen. Nguyen Chi Vinh, Deputy Defence Minister, suggested Vietnam and the US work more on post-war consequence settlement, focusing on searching for US servicemen’s missed remains, unexploded ordnances clearance and Agent Orange/dioxin decontamination.

During his reception for Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) Director Michael Linnington in Hanoi on November 10, the Vietnamese officer stressed that Vietnam always gives priority to cooperation with the US on the search for the remains of US servicemen who went missing during the war in Vietnam.

He expressed his hope that this connection will lay a foundation for cooperation in other fields. This presents not only Vietnam’s steadfast humanitarian policy, but also its goodwill.

Sen. Lieut. Gen. Vinh praised the responsibility and efforts made by the US side in overcoming war consequences, saying that the two nations recorded practical results. Vinh cited a cleanup of AO-contaminated areas near the Da Nang Airport as an example.

Linnington thanked the Vietnamese Government, people and war veterans for their valuable assistance in looking for and repatriating the remains of US servicemen who went missing during the war in Vietnam. He added that US authorities at all levels and people from all walks of life always back cooperation in the field.

He also agreed that it is necessary to build up the countries’ relationship, expressing his hope that his country and Vietnam will take more initiative, and enhance information and experience sharing. This will make it easier for their joint working teams to complete their tasks.

Vietnam gave the US a keepsake from a US serviceman who fought in the war when the countries met for their sixth defence policy dialogue. The US guest said his agency gave the keepsake to the soldier’s family.

Sen. Lieut. Gen. Vinh said he hopes war keepsake exchanges will continue to occur, strengthening bilateral ties.

VNA