Lieut. Gen. Khue said that the visit took place as cooperation between Vietnam and the US saw active development.

Khue said over the years, defence relations between Vietnam and the US have been boosted through the exchange of high-ranking military delegations, along with personnel training and medical assistance.

The visit is an opportunity for both sides to promote mutual understanding and cooperation under the partnership programme on natural disaster control, and to cope with mining collapse, oil spills as well as chemical and radioactive accidents.

Major General Raymond F. Rees said that he will do his utmost to make the partnership programme become highly effective, contributing to strengthening relations between the two countries.