Mr John made the remarks at a meeting with Nguyen Thanh Tai, Vice Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee, while visiting the city as part of his official visit to the country.

Vice Chairman Tai exchanged views with the US official on socio-economic development in HCM City and a number of matters raised by Mr John, including immigrant labour, equitisation of State-owned enterprises, relations among localities in south Vietnam, the fight against corruption as well as the upcoming National Assembly election.

Mr Tai informed the guest of the fight against corruption and the massive improvement in people's living conditions. The host went on to praise the positive developments in Vietnam-US relations, saying that the city always supports initiatives and activities that contribute to boosting ties between the two countries.