Vietnamese State President Nguyen Minh Triet and his US counterpart George W. Bush held talks in Washington on June 22 as part of Mr Triet’s current visit to the US.

Mr Triet expressed his delight at visiting the US for the first time with the aim of cementing the ties of friendship and cooperation between the two countries.

President Bush expressed his belief that Mr Triet’s visit will bring bilateral ties to a new height.

Host and guest agreed to increase the two countries’ exchanges, including high-level contact at bilateral and multilateral forums. They shared the view that bilateral ties have developed strongly, particularly in economics, trade and investment, following President Bush’s visit to Vietnam in November 2006. The two countries have signed many important agreements, including the trade and investment framework agreement during Mr Triet’s current visit. 

Speaking to media workers after their one-hour talks, President Bush recalled his and his wife’s impression of their visit to Vietnam last year and spoke highly of the growing ties between Vietnam and the US.

"I explained to the president we want to have good relations with Vietnam and we've got good economic relations," Mr Bush told reporters.

He thanked Vietnam for its cooperation in the search for US personnel missing in action which has been expanded to coastal areas. Mr Bush informed Mr Triet about the US Congress’s approval of a budget allocation to deal with dioxin-related issues in Vietnam and confirmed that the US will help Vietnam combat HIV/AIDS.

Mr Triet thanked Mr Bush and the American people for their warm welcome during his stay in the US. He and Mr Bush discussed pending issues of different views between the two countries, especially those regarding religion and human rights. They agreed to enhance dialogues to promote mutual understanding and are determined not to let those differences hinder the two countries’ development.

Mr Triet once again conveyed his message to the American people, saying Vietnam is a peaceful and stable nation and its people want to promote solidarity with Americans.

“The two nations should join hands to look to the future,” said Mr Triet.

The Vietnamese President also sent his best regards to Vietnamese nationals residing in the US, affirming that they are an indispensable part of the Vietnamese nation and that the Vietnamese State wants them to serve as a bridge between the two nations.

Later, President Bush gave a banquet in honour of President Triet and his wife.

President Triet began his six-day visit to the US on June 18 at the invitation of President Bush.