Chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff General Martin Dempsey on August 15 visited a thermal treatment system in the Da Nang Airport in the central city of Da Nang where 45,000 cubic metres of dioxin-contaminated soil are being detoxified.

Describing the project as an important milestone in bilateral relations, Dempsey affirmed that the US Department of Defence will continue supporting the initiative.

Joint efforts to clean up the area are clear evidence of the growing bilateral cooperation and the fruitful collaboration between the US Agency for International Development and Vietnam’s Air Defence-Air Force Command, he said.

The US will continue working closely with Vietnamese partners to consolidate bilateral ties, he stated.

The solving of consequence left by the war is an effective way to boost relations and mutual understanding between the two peoples, while benefiting locals, said Dempsey.

The Vietnamese and US governments have been working closely on issues related to Agent Orange/dioxin since 2000, he noted.

Launched earlier this year as a joint effort of Vietnam and US, the system is scheduled to detoxicate about 80,000 cubic metres of dioxin-contaminated soil and mud.

The treated soil and mud will later be removed from the containment structure and tested to ensure it is suitable for being used as a filling material at the site.

Da Nang Airport is referred to as a dioxin hot spot, together with several other sites in other provinces including Bien Hoa and Dong Nai.-VNA