Vietnam and the U.S. should enhance the cooperation and negotiations in the fields of energy, environment, anti-crime and settlement of war consequences, National Assembly Vice Chairwoman Tong Thi Phong told a visiting senator Jan 11. Speaking with American Senator Christopher S. Bond in Hanoi, Phong said Vietnam appreciated the U.S. Congress’ approval of a $3 million budget to help the Southeast Asian nation clean up dioxin contaminated areas around the Danang airport. Vietnam estimated it will need $45 million to promote long-term sustainable solutions to the issues, including detoxification and forestation in contaminated areas, treatment and care for AO/dioxin victims, Phong said. Senator Bond believed Vietnam’s assumption of the ASEAN Presidency this year will contribute to boost the two countries’ relationship as well as between the U.S. and the bloc. The U.S. senator held talks with Deputy Prime Minister-Minister of Foreign Affairs Pham Gia Khiem on the cooperative outlook of both sides’ enterprises.
