Vietnam and the US have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on bilateral cooperation to surmount the consequences of unexploded ordnance (UXO) left over from the war in Vietnam.

This is the first MoU signed between the two sides in the field.

It comes after Vietnam and the US upgraded their bilateral ties to a comprehensive partnership during President Truong Tan Sang’s visit to the country in July 2013.

The MoU aims to set up a long-term mechanism to boost humanitarian cooperation in surmounting the repercussions of UXO through a string of activities including delegation and information exchanges, training, technical and financial support, and international involvement.

The document was signed by Deputy Minister of Labour, War Invalids and Social Affairs Bui Hong Linh, who is also Deputy Chief of the National Steering Committee for Mine Action, on behalf of the Vietnamese government, and on the US side, the US Ambassador to Vietnam David Shear.

Deputy Minister Linh affirmed the MoU lays the foundation for cooperation in mine action, while enhancing the bilateral ties between the two countries.

Ambassador David Shear said the pact is an important step in realising the joint vision of the two State leaders, helping build a better future for Vietnam and the US.-VNA