Defence Minister greets US Senator John McCain

Defence Minister Gen Ngô Xuân Lịch yesterday received Senator John McCain from the US Senate Committee on Armed Services, saying that his understanding on Việt Nam and its people had made important contributions to the normalisation of bilateral ties.

HÀ NỘI — Defence Minister Gen Ngô Xuân Lịch yesterday received Senator John McCain from the US Senate Committee on Armed Services in Hà Nội, saying his understanding of Việt Nam and its people made important contributions to the normalisation of bilateral ties.

Lịch said Việt Nam and the US have seen fruitful defence co-operation, including in the exchange of delegations at all levels, personnel training, dialogue consultation, maritime security guarantee, search and rescue, bomb and mine clearance and Agent Orange/dioxin detoxification.

Recently, the US shared experience with Việt Nam in joining the United Nations peacekeeping mission.

McCain, for his part, pledged to urge the US Congress and government to continue helping Việt Nam deal with the AO/dioxin-contaminated environment, overcome war consequences, ensure maritime security and safety and in other fields of shared concern.

He is due to visit the USS John S McCain cruiser which is undergoing maintenance at Cam Ranh international port in Khánh Hoà Province. — VNS