Mr Dung welcomed Senator Webb’s visit, considering it a milestone in the relationship between the two countries. He proposed that the US grant Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) to Vietnam and not include Vietnamese Tra and Basa fish in its designated list of catfish. He also proposed that the US Department of Commerce stop the monitoring mechanism for Vietnamese garment and textile products exported to the US.

He confirmed that when taking over the ASEAN Presidency in 2010, Vietnam will do its best to promote cooperation in various areas between ASEAN and the US.

Senator Webb welcomed Vietnam’s goodwill and said that upon his return to the US, he will work with the Department of State and other agencies to consider Mr Dung’s proposals.   

PM Dung and Senator Webb exchanged views on regional and international issues of mutual concern.

Earlier the same day, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Gia Khiem received the US Senator. They discussed measures to strengthen bilateral ties and exchanged views on regional issues of mutual concern.

Mr Khiem said that both Vietnam and the US should continue to increase multi-faceted cooperation in line with the joint statements signed by their top leaders.

Senator Webb praised Vietnam’s contributions to peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region and the rest of the world in its capacity as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council. He expressed his belief that Vietnam will successful take over the ASEAN Presidency in 2010.

The US Senator was also received by Tong Thi Phong, Vice Chairwoman of the Vietnam National Assembly.

Both host and guest expressed pleasure at the recent positive development of Vietnam-US relations, especially in politics, diplomacy and economics. They noted that relations between the US Senate and the Vietnam National Assembly have progressed through the exchange of delegations to share experiences in legislation and supervision.

Senator Webb said that over the past 18 years, he has many times visited Vietnam and met with the Vietnamese community in the US in the hope of breaking with the past and looking to the future. He said an increase in the exchange of visits is the best way to promote mutual understanding.

For her part, Ms Phong proposed that the US Congress help Vietnam clear wartime bombs and mines, clean up areas contaminated with toxic chemicals and support Agent Orange/dioxin victims and their relatives.