Minister of National Defence Gen. Phung Quang Thanh has thanked the US for its double increase of funding for post-war bomb and mine clearance, saying that this will help Vietnam deal with the war aftermath and bring a peaceful life for the people.

Meeting US Ambassador Ted Osius in Hanoi on April 24, Thanh reviewed with satisfaction new developments in bilateral defence cooperation, including the sharing of experience in the United Nations peacekeeping mission, humanitarian assistance, disaster mitigation, and ensuring maritime security and safety.

He also asked the ambassador to foster the Vietnam – US ties.

Osius, in return, spoke of the need to facilitate high-level visits by defence officials and implement well the cooperation agreement signed between the two sides.-VNA