Prime Minister greets American friends

Pham said that the war consequences remain very heavy in Viet Nam, with about three million people suffering from the impacts of AO. Their next generations are supposed to endure the consequences. Millions of contaminated hectares of land, especially Bien Hoa airport need be cleaned up. 

The remains of 200,000 Vietnamese servicemen missing in action have yet  been found, while unexploded bombs and mines continue to threaten the safety and livelihoods of many Vietnamese people. 

The Prime Minister hoped the American friends to have more robust, effective measures and practical programs to help address the most urgent issues in handling war legacies – including the decontamination of Bien Hoa airbase, livelihood support for the AO victims, support for genetic analysis to identify martyrs.

He underlined the importance of inspiring younger generations to continue their works – in coordination with the Vietnamese agencies through the help of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. 

In reply, McAuliff thanked PM Pham in particular and Viet Nam in general for the goodwill to put aside the past and look toward the future. 

The American friend also praised the cooperation between the two countries in handling war consequences – including the search for US persons missing in action (MIAs) in the war in Viet Nam, which has contributed to the healing process./.