Vietnam wants to work closely with the US in settling war aftermaths: official
The consequence of bombs, mines and toxic chemicals left by war in Vietnam is an urgent issue that has been threatening people's lives and causing a serious effect on the country’s sustainable development goals, a senior official has said.
Participants attend the webinar on “Overcoming consequence of war, moving forward together” organised by the United States Institute of Peace on August 3. (Photo: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) – The consequence of bombs, mines and toxic chemicals left by war in Vietnam is an urgent issue that has been threatening people's lives and causing a serious effect on the country’s sustainable development goals, a senior official has said.
Deputy Minister of National Defence Senior Lieutenant General Hoang Xuan Chien made the remarks at a webinar on “Overcoming the consequences of war, moving forward together" which was organised by the United States Institute of Peace (USIP) on August 3.
Chien said he hoped that the US authorities will continue to cooperate more closely with Vietnam in dealing with war aftermaths.
The deputy minister emphasised the need for the two sides to identify new and breakthrough solutions to promote more effective and faster collaboration activities in overcoming the consequences of landmines and toxic chemicals/dioxins.
In the immediate future, it is necessary to continue to mobilise resources to accelerate the detoxification process of the entire Bien Hoa airport area and seek more appropriate methods to provide medical care and employment for victims of Agent Orange/dioxin in Vietnam, he said.
The clearance of unexploded bombs and mines in Vietnam should be sped up, to clean up from 500,000-700,000 ha per year.
Chien affirmed that he would direct Vietnamese relevant agencies to closely coordinate with each other and with US partners to effectively implement important cooperation contents between Vietnam and the US.
Speaking at the webinar, Lise Grande, president of the United States Institute of Peace said the event was an opportunity for US and Vietnamese agencies, managers, scientists and experts to identify future orientations to promote cooperation between the two sides in overcoming the consequences of landmines and toxic chemicals, along with collaboration in searching for soldiers missing in action in Vietnam.
US Senator Patrick Leahy appreciated the cooperation between the two countries in the past time.
ꦓ He said during the visit to Vietnam by US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin on July 29, the two sides signed a Memorandum of Understanding on gathering and searching for remains of Vietnamese soldiers missing in the war, adding that it opened up a new chapter in the cooperation in overcoming war aftermaths between the two countries./.
The Vietnam National Mine Action Centre (VNMAC), in coordination with the Norwegian People's Aid (NPA) Vietnam, held a meeting in Hanoi on November 17 to review the second phase of a technical survey project in the central province of Thua Thien-Hue.
The central province of Quang Tri, which has the greatest amount of unexploded ordnance (UXO) in the country, is working to clear about 3,000ha of land each year to become the first Vietnamese locality to be safe from UXO accidents by 2025.
Deputy Minister of National Defence Sen. Lieut. Gen. Nguyen Chi Vinh on April 8 hosted a reception for outgoing US Ambassador to Vietnam Daniel J. Kritenbrink, during which the two sides discussed cooperation plans in war consequence settlement.
Vietnam, as the rotating President of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for April, held a ministerial open debate on April 8, focusing on “Mine action and sustaining peace: Stronger partnerships for better delivery”.
The UN Security Council (UNSC) open debate on “Mine action and sustaining peace: Stronger partnerships for better delivery”, held on April 8 under the chair of Vietnam – Council President for April, has been highly valued by the international community.
A bomb and mine clearing team in the central province of Quang Tri has found nearly 500 billets and unexploded ordnances (UXOs) left from the war in Vinh Linh district's Vinh Tu commune.
A programme to provide livelihoods, free medical check-ups and medicines for victims of landmines and unexploded ordnances (UXOs) left from the war was held in the central province of Quang Ngai on April 11.
Sappers of the Military High Command in the central province of Quang Tri in conjunction with the US’s Golden West organisation have successfully deactivated and removed bombs left from wartime that was found in Huong Hoa district’s Huong Lap commune.
Stronger efforts and determination are required to achieve and surpass the set targets, especially in the eradication of makeshift and dilapidated houses nationwide, the acceleration of public investment disbursement, and the implementation of nationally important transport projects, PM Pham Minh Chinh noted.
The trip will be made at the invitations of Chinese Premier Li Qiang and WEF President and CEO Børge Brende, according to an announcement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Long spoke highly of the dynamic, positive, and comprehensive development of Vietnam – Russia relations in recent years. He affirmed that the Vietnamese Party and State place great importance on further strengthening the comprehensive strategic partnership with Russia in a substantive and effective manner, in line with the development needs of both nations.
At the conference, participants reported that the Government has so far issued 28 decrees on the delegation of responsibilities and powers between the central Government and two-tier local administrations. Several localities have already piloted the new governance model.
Reality is the ultimate benchmark for success, he said, urging drafting agencies to work out policies that foster development, reduce bureaucratic hurdles, and respect practical conditions.
Under the official dispatch signed on June 20, ministers, heads of ministerial-level agencies, and chairpersons of provincial and municipal People’s Committees are requested to concentrate efforts on implementing core measures to ensure the smooth operations of the new administrative framework.
The Party chief underscored the need for the press to innovate relentlessly, evolve to keep pace with the country's development, transform into a truly professional, humanistic, and modern sector that serves the cause of the Party, the State, and the people on the path to national construction and development.
The UN Secretary-General praised Vietnam’s remarkable achievements in socio-economic development and international integration in recent years, noting that the country has emerged as a model in implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), promoting international peace and security, and engaging in key UN processes.
Nghia affirmed that this is a milestone of special significance, affirming and honouring the the Vietnamese revolutionary press’s glorious tradition of 100 years of serving the revolutionary cause of the Party, serving the Fatherland, and serving the people.
The Party and State of Vietnam always attach great importance to and give top priority to the development of Vietnam–China relations. Vietnam is ready to work with the Chinese Party and State to further deepen the Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership and promote the building of the Vietnam-China community with a shared future that carries strategic significance.
Under the leadership of President Ho Chi Minh and the CPV, President Cuong said, the press has been a steadfast force on the ideological and cultural front, rallying the masses to pursue national aspirations.
NA Chairman Tran Thanh Man stressed the need to accelerate the application of artificial intelligence and smart teaching equipment, innovate teaching and assessment methods, and further improve the quality of formal education.
He also pledged that the NA will promote its ongoing supervision, making sure that every promise must lead to results, and every commitment must bring about real changes.
Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien welcomed the proposals put forward by the US side and reiterated Vietnam’s request for consideration of key areas of interest, including reciprocal tariff policies and access for Vietnamese key export products to the US market.
Deputy PM Le Thanh Long proposed countries promote shared values, including building trust, sincerity, and solidarity among nations and peoples; fostering cooperation spirit and responsible behaviour as well as upholding international law and the UN Charter; and placing people at the centre and as the goal, the key player, and the driving force of all policies.
The show, together with a grand parade to be held silmutaneously at Ba Dinh Square in Hanoi, will celebrate the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution, the National Day, and the General Staff of the Vietnam People’s Army (VPA).
In particular, in April 2023, the two sides successfully carried out a joint operation that dismantled a major organised, transnational drug trafficking ring involving both Vietnamese and Cambodian suspects.
The Vietnamese Embassy in Israel is closely coordinating with relevant local agencies to stay informed and provide the utmost support possible for Vietnamese nationals.
Participants attend the webinar on “Overcoming consequence of war, moving forward together” organised by the United States Institute of Peace on August 3. (Photo: VNA) 
