Vietnam Minister Meets U.S. Senator to Boost War Recovery Cooperation
Vietnamese Minister of National Defense General Phan Van Giang has met with U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen to discuss measures to promote bilateral cooperation in addressing war consequences, local media reported.
The meeting took place during General Giang’s official visit to the U.S. at the invitation of U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin.
During the discussion, Minister Giang expressed Vietnam's appreciation for the contributions of U.S. senators, particularly the late Senator John McCain and former Senator Patrick Leahy, in strengthening bilateral ties and aiding post-war recovery efforts. He urged continued U.S. Congressional support for dioxin cleanup at Bien Hoa and Phu Cat airports and expanded cooperation on unexploded ordnance removal based on the 2023-2028 cooperation plan.
He also called for enhanced collaboration in identifying and repatriating Vietnamese war casualties, prioritizing DNA technology and war artifact exchanges. He reaffirmed Vietnam's commitment to assisting in the search for U.S. personnel missing in action (MIA).
Senator Van Hollen, for his part, expressed his commitment to fostering U.S.-Vietnam relations, especially in war recovery efforts, building on the legacy of past U.S. senators.