The visit has captured the attention of the American public and the international media agencies. Notably, the talks between Mr Dung and Mr Bush, with the participation of key White House figures such as Vice President Dick Cheney and National Security Advisor Stephen Hadley, showed the US Government’s respect for Vietnam. 

Mr Dung and Mr Bush agreed to establish a mechanism for dialogue on strategic issues between the two countries’ senior officials – a move which is expected to promote bilateral cooperation in economics, trade and investment. They announced the start of negotiations for a bilateral investment treaty (BIT), showing the two countries’ commitment to equal and fair treatment in foreign investment activities.

President Bush affirmed that the US is considering Vietnam's request to be designated as a beneficiary of the Generalised System of Preferences programme. He also acknowledged Vietnam's request to be accorded Market Economy Status. If these requests are granted, they will bring practical benefits to Vietnam, particularly its exporters.

Meanwhile, US businesses also expressed their optimism concerning the prospects of fruitful economic cooperation with their Vietnamese counterparts.

US Trade Representative Charlene Barshefsky, who presided over a meeting between representatives from US business circles and Mr Dung, said that the presence of so many leading US economic groups testified to their keen interest in and strong support for Vietnam’s on-going renewal process. 

One of the main goals of Mr Dung’s visit was to promote cooperation in education and training with the US which is globally known for its advanced educational system. Therefore, education forums were held in both Washington D.C. and Houston, drawing the participation of many educators, managers and investors. 

More importantly, both President Bush and Prime Minister Dung agreed to establish a high-level bilateral Education Task Force that will chart a course and identify effective modalities for bilateral educational cooperation. The US Department of State and the Vietnamese Ministry of Education and Training also signed a memorandum of understanding on educational cooperation – the first of its kind.

Deputy Minister of Education and Training Pham Vu Luan said that during talks and meetings with Mr Dung, President Bush and many other key cabinet members expressed their desires to boost mutually beneficial cooperation with Vietnam.

The US also decided to establish a sub-committee to help Vietnam study and cope with the consequences of climate change. It pledged to help Vietnam continue to combat HIV/AIDS, clear unexploded ordnance left over from the war, clean up dioxin-contaminated areas, carry out healthcare projects and search for Vietnamese soldiers missing in action during the past war.

Agreements and commitments made during Mr Dung’s visit are expected to open up a new chapter of stronger relationships and multifaceted cooperation between the two countries.