Vietnam and the U.S. on Dec 16 signed the first Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cooperation to overcome the consequences of wartime bomb, mine and unexploded ordnance (UXO) in Vietnam. The pact was inked by Deputy Minister of Labor, War Invalids and Social Affairs Bui Hong Linh, who is also Deputy Chief of the National Steering Committee for Mine Action, and the US Ambassador to Vietnam David Shear in Hanoi. The signing comes after Vietnam and the U.S. upgraded their diplomatic ties to comprehensive partnership during President Truong Tan Sang’s visit to Washington in July 2013. The MoU aims to boost a long-term humanitarian cooperation in surmounting the repercussions of such UXO through the delegation and information exchanges, staff training, technical and financial support. Ambassador David Shear said the pact is an important step in realizing the joint vision of the two State leaders, helping build a better future for the two countries. Since 2003, the U.S. has funded over $65 million for bomb and mine clearance programs in Vietnam, he added. Thousands of unexploded bombs and grenades are still buried in the ground across Vietnam. Since the Vietnam War ended in 1975, which has killed more than 42,100 people and injured 62,200 others. (Quan Doi Nhan Dan –People’s Army Dec 17 p6, Thanh Nien – Young People Dec 17, vietnamplus.vn Dec 16)
