National Assembly Deputy Chairwoman Tong Thi Phong made the statement while hosting officials from the US religious organisation in Hanoi on May 27.

At the meeting, Ms Phong expressed her pleasure at the delegation’s visit which coincides with the 15^th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries.

On the occasions, the NA Deputy Chairwoman thanked American people for helping Vietnamese Agent Orange victims and told the delegation that among more than four million Vietnamese people who have been exposed to AO/dioxin, about three million are suffering health problems related to the exposure.

AO/dioxin has seriously affected people and the environment in Vietnam and it takes long time to overcome its harmful effects, she said.

Ms Phong expressed her hope that the guests would retell American people and politicians the current situation in Vietnam when they return home and become bridges of friendship and cooperation between the two peoples.

For his part, Bob Edgar, President and CEO of the Common Cause Interfaith, who led the delegation, pledged to help American people and politicians know more about Vietnam and the AO issue in the country.