Vietnam, US strengthen cooperation on dioxin pollution treatment

Those in Vietnam are among 17% of USAID projects restarted, highlighting their significance in Vietnam-US relations and defence cooperation.

Deputy Defence Minister Senior Lieutenant General Hoang Xuan Chien (R) presents a certificate of merit from the Minister of National Defence of Vietnam to USAID's Mission Director for Vietnam Aler Grubbs (Photo: VNA)
Deputy Defence Minister Senior Lieutenant General Hoang Xuan Chien (R) presents a certificate of merit from the Minister of National Defence of Vietnam to USAID's Mission Director for Vietnam Aler Grubbs (Photo: VNA)

Hanoi (VNA) - Vietnam's Ministry of National Defence and the US Agency for International Development (USAID) have reaffirmed their commitment to cooperation in addressing the war aftermath, particularly in treating dioxin pollution.

At a reception in Hanoi on June 23 for USAID's Mission Director for Vietnam Aler Grubbs, Deputy Defence Minister Senior Lieutenant General Hoang Xuan Chien expressed gratitude and high appreciation for USAID's efforts in Vietnam, particularly in implementing dioxin treatment projects at Bien Hoa Airport in the southern province of Dong Nai and supporting Agent Orange/dioxin victims in heavily affected provinces.

dioxin2.jpg
Delegates at the reception (Photo: VNA)

He noted that USAID's advocacy helped restart cooperation projects during the US government's review of foreign aid activities.

Chien emphasised that those in Vietnam are among 17% of USAID projects restarted, highlighting their significance in Vietnam-US relations and defence cooperation. Both sides have committed to further promoting cooperation in this area.

He proposed that the US Embassy in Vietnam and relevant US agencies collaborate with Vietnam's Ministry of National Defence to effectively implement agreed-upon cooperation documents. This includes prioritising resource mobilisation to accelerate dioxin treatment at Bien Hoa Airport and other hotspots, and supporting projects to improve the quality of life for people with disabilities.

At the same time, both sides should promote the reimplementation of the Letter of Intent on cooperation in organising communication activities related to overcoming the consequences of bombs, mines, and chemical toxins left over from the war; and continue to effectively coordinate the implementation of the signed Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in the search for Vietnamese soldiers who died or went missing during the war.

For her part, Aler Grubbs thanked Vietnam's Ministry of National Defence for closely coordinating with USAID in effectively carrying out these activities and highlighted that the projects will continue without interruption after the transition of USAID Vietnam to the US Embassy in Vietnam.

On this occasion, Chien awarded the certificate of merit from the Ministry of National Defence to Aler Grubbs and other individuals of USAID for their positive contributions to fixing the consequences of chemical toxins and dioxin in Vietnam from 2021 to 2025./.

VNA

See more

Politburo member, Standing member of the Party Central Committee’s Secretariat Tran Cam Tu attends the rehearsal. (Photo: VNA)

Security forces stage rehearsal for 14th National Party Congress

The People’s Public Security forces have been praised for their core role in closely working with the army and relevant ministries and agencies, with success in thwarting hostile plots at an early stage, drastically combating fake news and disinformation surrounding the 14th National Party Congress.

Senior Lieutenant General Le Quoc Hung (L), member of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee and Deputy Minister of Public Security, and General Vilay Lakhamfong, Politburo member and permanent member of the Secretariat of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party (LPRP) Central Committee. (Photo: VNA)

Deputy Minister of Public Security congratulates Lao officials following succesful 12th National Party Congress

Deputy Minister of Public Security Senior Lieutenant General Le Quoc Hungconveyed the warmest congratulations of the Central Public Security Party Committee, the Ministry of Public Security leadership, and the Vietnamese People’s Public Security Forces to Lakhamfong and other Lao public security leaders on the congress’s success and their election to key leadership positions for the new term.

A session of the National Assembly Standing Committee. (Photo: VNA)

NA Standing Committee's key work agenda for 2026 approved

A major focus will be preparations for the election of deputies to the 16th NA and to People’s Councils at all levels for the 2026–2031 term. The NASC will coordinate with the National Election Council, the Government, the Vietnam Fatherland Front Central Committee, and relevant agencies and organisations to continue implementing the election plan, organise oversight of the electoral process, and carry out its duties and powers as prescribed.

Party General Secretary To Lam receives US Ambassador Marc Evans Knapper in Hanoi on January 9, 2026. (Photo: VNA)

Party leader receives outgoing US Ambassador

Vietnam always values its relationship with the US and looks forward to continuing close cooperation with the US government to deepen bilateral relations based on mutual respect for each other’s independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and political institutions, contributing positively to peace, stability, cooperation, and development regionally and globally.

Vietnamese Ambassador to the US Nguyen Quoc Dung (Photo: VNA)

Foreign affairs contribute to enhancing Vietnam’s international standing: Diplomat

Foreign affairs played an important role in maintaining a peaceful and stable international and regional environment; expanding friendships and partnerships without creating adversaries; deepening international integration to attract and effectively utilise external resources for development, including markets, investment, science and technology, and human resources training; and promoting the image of a confident, resilient Vietnam actively contributing to global affairs, Vietnamese Ambassador to the US Nguyen Quoc Dung highlighted.