US official desires more exchanges between young US-Vietnamese generations

These comments were made as Senator Leahy and his wife Marcelle visited the Vietnamese Embassy in the US on October 25.

Sharing their thoughts at the meeting, Senator Leahy and his wife Marcelle repeatedly emphasised their special sentiment towards Vietnam, saying that they always feel happy when they visit the nation and love the Vietnamese people who are friendly, open-minded, and always ready to learn.

He also expressed his desire to strengthen ties between young people of the two countries, emphasising that this is the best way for citizens of both sides to gain a better understanding and contribute to future strengthening the mutual friendship.  

Senator Leahy affirmed that as president pro tempore of the US Senate he will continue to make efforts to contribute to the relationship between Vietnam and the US, even after his retirement. These efforts aim to maintain and further ramp up co-operation in overcoming the consequences of war for the benefit of each country, as well as the common interests for a better world.

Speaking at the meeting, Vietnamese Ambassador to the US Nguyen Quoc Dung affirmed that the Government and people of Vietnam recognise and always appreciate the merits and contributions made up Senator Leahy and his wife Marcelle, along with advisor Tim Rieser. Indeed, the trio have made contributions to the reconciliation process aimed at promoting the development of bilateral relations.

That ranges from the initial support through the Leahy War Victims Fund in the early 90s to multi-million dollar programmes and initiatives that later provided practical support to the victims of bombs and mines and Agent Orange/dioxin, dioxin decontamination at Da Nang and Bien Hoa airports, search for missing Vietnamese soldiers, and greater investment in education.

The results achieved in overcoming the consequences of war have therefore brought the two countries closer together, whilst also building and consolidating mutual trust and understanding, as well as opening up fresh opportunities to strengthen co-operation across multiple fields.

Ambassador Dung said he hopes that Senator Leahy would continue to support and contribute to the development of Vietnam-US relations, including co-operation in overcoming the consequences of war. This should be done while helping to connect and build network of congressmen in friendship with Vietnam who are capable of continuing the Senator's work on war remediation in the US Congress.

During the course of the meeting, Senator Leahy and his wife also shared stories and profound memories about the country and people of Vietnam whilst talking with staff at the Vietnamese Embassy.