President Bush recalled his trip to Vietnam in 2006 while attending the 14^th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Hanoi. He praised Vietnam’s economic achievements as well as it strong resolve to stabilise the macro-economy amidst the global economic slowdown.

Both host and guest expressed pleasure at the strong development of bilateral ties between Vietnam and the US. They agreed to further promote the constructive partnership, friendship and multifaceted cooperation between the two countries on the basis of equality, respect and mutual benefit for peace, security, stability, cooperation and development in Southeast Asia and Asia. 

President Bush voiced his support for Vietnam’s sovereignty, security and territorial integrity. He said the US is considering Vietnam’s proposal to join the Generalised System of Preferences (GSP) as well as Vietnam’s proposal for recognition of its market economy status. 

The two leaders agreed to start negotiations for a bilateral investment treaty (BIT) and to establish a high-level education group to promote bilateral cooperation in the area. They agreed to establish a new sub-committee to help Vietnam cope with the consequences caused by climate change. They said the two countries will boost cooperation in addressing humanitarian issues in the post-war period.

President Bush affirmed that the US will continue to help Vietnam combat HIV/AIDS, clear unexploded ordnance, clean up the environment in the areas contaminated by dioxin, carry out healthcare projects and search for Vietnamese soldiers missing in action.

During the talks, Mr Dung affirmed Vietnam’s resolve to fulfil bilateral and international economic commitments and continue to improve its investment and business environment.

PM Dung and President Bush expressed elation at the success by the Vietnamese-born Americans and acknowledged their significant contributions to strengthening bilateral relations.

Mr Dung affirmed that the Vietnamese Government considers the overseas Vietnamese community an indispensable part of the nation and always creates the best possible conditions for them to return and do business in the country.

The two leaders agreed to cooperate closely in the framework of the United Nations Security Council in addressing regional and global issues of mutual concern such as anti-terrorism, prevention of epidemics and trans-national crime, and food security.

Mr Bush told reporters after the talks that he and Mr Dung discussed measures to boost bilateral cooperation in economics, education, training, science and the environment. He acknowledged the Vietnamese Government’s effective cooperation in the search for US personnel missing in action during the war in Vietnam as well as its progress in religious freedom. 

Meanwhile, Mr Dung said that his visit is another step towards implementing the Party and State’s foreign affairs policy of independence, self-reliance, multilateralisation and diversification of international relations and in the spirit of “Vietnam wants to be a reliable friend and partner of all nations in the international community.”

He affirmed that Vietnam wants to foster relations with the US in line with the agreements reached by the two countries’ leaders.

He said his talks with Mr Bush took place in the spirit of friendship, construction and mutual understanding. The two sides agreed to establish a new dialogue mechanism for their senior officials to discuss strategic issues relating to economics, education, environment, science, national defence and security.

Later, Prime Minister Dung met with Secretary of Defence Robert Gates. They spoke of the need to cooperate in national defence issues based on the specific conditions of each country and their common relationship. They agreed to boost cooperation to tackle post-war issues as well as other regional and global issues of mutual concern.

Mr Gates thanked the Vietnamese Government for its effective cooperation in the search for US personnel missing in action. He affirmed that the US Department of Defence will continue to search and provide information related to Vietnamese soldiers missing in action and help Vietnam clear unexploded ordnance left over from the war.

Prime Minister Dung also received Nancy Pelosi, President of the US House of Representatives, leaders from both the Democrat and Republican parties and several key Senators. He also met with Secretary of Commerce Carlos Gutierrez and witnessed the signing of a number of agreements on in investment and trade between Vietnam and the US. 

Earlier in the morning, Mr Dung received the chief executive officers of a number of leading US economic groups who hope to make long-term investments in Vietnam, especially in information technology, finance and banking and education and training.

PM Dung affirmed that Vietnam will create a good environment for foreign investors, including those from the US, to operate efficiently in the country.

He witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding to promote trade between the two countries and economic contracts between their business circles.