Vietnam and the US need to enhance economic, commercial and investment ties to create an impetus for the development of the bilateral relationship, a Vietnamese legislative leader has said.

While receiving Senator James Webb in Hanoi on July 8, National Assembly Vice Chairman Nguyen Duc Kien said he hoped that the US Congress and Government will facilitate the flow of Vietnamese commodities to the US market.

Kien told his guest that Vietnam attaches great importance to friendly and cooperative relations with the US , and wishes the bonds will be expanded both bilaterally and multilaterally.

The vice chairman spoke highly of Webb’s visit that is taking place at a time when the two nations are celebrating the 15 th anniversary of normalisation of diplomatic ties, as well as his support and assistance to Vietnam .

Kien called on Webb, who is Chairman of the East Asia and Pacific Affairs Subcommittee of the US Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, to contribute more to developing relations between the US and Vietnam in particular and other countries in the Asia-Pacific region in general.

He also urged the senator to continue to act as a bridge to increase mutual understanding, build up confidence and foster cooperation between the two nations.

The legislator went on to say that Vietnam and the US need to step up their cooperation in response to climate change and rising sea levels in the interest of both countries.

Kien applauded the US Congress and people’s cooperation and assistance to Vietnam in dealing with the consequences of Agent Orange/dioxin and clearing bombs and mines left from the war. He expressed his hope for more practical and effective assistance from the US in these fields.

Webb said he has witnessed rapid changes in Vietnam and believed that the US-Vietnam relations will further develop in the future. The two nations hold great potential for stronger cooperation in economic, trade and investment areas.

Webb said he was impressed by the scale and output of a catfish breeding farm in the Mekong Delta city of Can Tho . The senator also promised to work harder to help address the consequences of Agent Orange/dioxin in Vietnam./.