At the reception, Ngan thanked Filner for his good sentiments and valuable support for Vietnam, saying that the visit is expected to help him understand more about the land and people of Vietnam.

Since Vietnam and the US normalised their relations 16 years ago, the two countries have seen great achievements in various fields, including politics, security and defence, economics, trade, education and training, science and technology, and humanitarian cooperation, she said.

The US is now one of Vietnam’s leading partners, with two-way trade reaching almost US$20 billion in 2011, she added.

Regarding the Agent Orange/dioxin issue in Vietnam, the NA Vice Chairwoman said that the Vietnam-US Dialogue Group on Agent Orange/dioxin, including scientists and policymakers, was set up in 2007 to raise public awareness of this issue.

She expressed her wish that US congressmen would provide further assistance for Vietnam in comprehensively addressing AO consequences.

For his part, Filner spoke highly of Vietnam’s efforts to overcome the aftermath of the toxic chemical, affirming that he will make greater efforts to help AO victims.

After the visit, he will call on private companies and doctors to provide material and technical support for AO victims in Vietnam, he said.