The April 30 1975 victory was a significant landmark in Vietnam’s history of national construction and defense that put an end to the war and restored peace for national reunification. The victory also closed the painful chapter of Vietnam-US relations. Over the past 36 years, Vietnam and the US, known as two former enemies, have made great strides in bilateral relations.

Reporter: As Vietnam’s ambassador to the US from 2001-2007, what is your opinion on Vietnam-US relations?

Mr Chien: I worked in the US for six years, from 2001-2007 after Vietnam-US relations had been normalised. Vietnam decided to establish diplomatic ties with the US in 1995. In 2000, both countries conducted a wide range of negotiations for the signing of the Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA).

The implementation of the BTA started in 2001 with Vietnam placing orders to purchase Boeing aircraft from the US and later on facing trade disputes over basa catfish and textile and garment quotas. In this period, both sides continued negotiations on a permanent trade status for Vietnam to enter the World Trade Organisation (WTO).

Bilateral economic ties have grown ever since, especially after the US became Vietnam’s largest export market and even biggest trade partner at some point.

To date, the US remains Vietnam’s top export market with two-way trade turnover reaching US$13-15 billion but the figure is still modest.

Training is also a focal point in bilateral relations. Thousands of Vietnamese students currently studying in the US prove that bilateral relations are fruitful.

Reporter:  Do you think that the Vietnam-US relations do not run as smoothly as those between Vietnam and other nations?

Mr Chien: Developing bilateral relations is no easy job, especially for the two countries which used to be the former enemies. They need to do more to improve their ties. Vietnam always wishes to have a break with the past and look to the future. Like other witnesses of developments in the Vietnam-US relationship, I feel very happy that bilateral ties have entered a new period.

The open policy of external affairs adopted by the 11^th National Party Congress will add fresh impetus to bringing the relations between the two countries to a higher level.

Reporter: Do you think that the consequences of war between Vietnam and the US will be dealt with in the process of developing bilateral relations?

Mr Chien: In my opinion, the US has still done little to address this issue. I want to see more improvements in this field based on humanitarian activities.

AO victims need to be provided with more humanitarian aid and development assistance through more people-to-people exchanges to build mutual trust.

The US has highly appreciated Vietnam’s constant cooperation in dealing with MIA issues but its cooperation in searching Vietnamese soldiers has just gained momentum in recent times.

Reporter: Through your meetings with US war veterans, what are their opinions on the war in Vietnam?

Mr Chien: While working for the Vietnam-US Association, I have met a lot of American friends including Viet Vets. I am deeply moved by their penitence for what they did in Vietnam. They said they want to do something to ease their conscience. On the other hand, through humanitarian activities, they want to directly help the victims of war. However, their assistance is still modest compared to the painful sufferings of 3 million AO victims and tens of thousands of handicapped children.

The Vietnam-US Association is planning to organise a business forum for Vietnamese and US war veterans who wish for closer cooperation in the future.

Reporter: Thank you so much.