He said during his visit to Vietnam as part of the Asian tour, he had useful discussions with Vietnamese officials, focusing on the development of Vietnam-US relations. He said the two counties have a solid foundation and numerous prospects for cooperation, particularly in the economic and trade areas after Vietnam joined the World Trade Organisation.

He said he arrived in Vietnam when the country was receiving many foreign delegations. He described this as an indication of Vietnam’s enhanced role and position in the international arena, adding that the US wants to further develop relations with Vietnam.

Mr Hill affirmed that during the past 12 years Vietnam-US relations have developed positively and that there have been many issues to be discussed between the two countries to boost bilateral cooperation.