State President plays the global arena in CGI

President Triet spoke highly of the CGI’s contribution to helping countries achieve their Millennium Development Goals as well as Mr. Clinton’s effort in the normalization and development of the Vietnam-US relationship.

President Clinton said the developing relationship laid a firm foundation for the two countries to promote cooperation for peace, stability, and development in the 21^st century. He also announced new commitments to assist Vietnam in HIV/AIDS prevention.

The former President thanked Vietnamese people for their hospitality given to him in his official visit to Vietnam in 2001 and to Hillary Clinton during her visit as Secretary of State in July, 2010. He also sent congratulations to Vietnam on its capital’s millennial celebration.

Since establishment in 2005, the CGI has been an important forum held annually on the sidelines of the UN Summit, attracting the participation of many country leaders, businesses, and non-profit organizations around the world. The CGI has also sponsored a variety of activities to assist HIV/AIDS-affected children in Vietnam since 2005.

** In the meeting with Philippines President, Aquino, President Triet congratulated him on his country’s high growth rate of 7.3 percent in the early months of 2010. He expressed his delight at the development of Vietnam-Philippines multi-faceted cooperation and stated his belief that the two countries’ 35^th anniversary of diplomatic ties will be a good chance to strengthen the bilateral relationship.

Mr. Aquino congratulated Vietnam on its fulfillment of ASEAN’s chairmanship, stating it was a good example for other countries to follow. He confirmed that the Philippines wants to strengthen cooperation with its neighbouring countries, especially with other ASEAN members, for the region’s peace, stability, and prosperity. He also expressed his wish to visit Vietnam in the future.

**While working with François Bozizé, the President of the Central African Republic, Mr. Triet said the two countries have many things in common, and he expected the relationship between them will continue to grow and flourish.

Vietnam is always eager to cooperate with Central Africa, he said.

The Central African President expressed his hope to build a stronger relationship with Vietnam, especially in areas of agriculture and human resources training.

Mr. Bozizé invited Mr. Triet to visit Central Africa and he happily accepted the invitation.

**On September 21, the Permanent Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Pham Binh Minh, worked with Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bosnia Herzegovina, Sven Alkalai; Mexican Deputy Minister of Foreign Relations, Lourdes Aranda Bezaury; and US Assistant Secretary of State, Kurt Campell, to discuss issues concerning the regional and international relationship.