(VNF) - President of the Vietnam – U.S. Society (VUS) Nguyen Tam Chien hosted a reception in Hanoi on March 19^th for a delegation of the U.S. Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) led by its Senior Vice Commander-in-Chief, Vincent “B.J” Lawrence.

At the meeting.

Chien briefed the guests about the humanitarian support programme between the two countries, especially the recovery from the consequences of war-era landmines, issues regarding Agent Orange (AO)/dioxin victims, and the search for remains of missing U.S. servicemen (POW/MIA) in Vietnam.

He reviewed important milestones in Vietnam – U.S. diplomatic ties in peacetime, the role of the VUS and mass organisations in promoting bilateral ties.

Although the war ended more than 40 years ago, a large amount of bombs, mines and unexploded ordnance are still left in Vietnam, while the remains of around 300,000 Vietnamese soldiers have yet to be found. Millions of others are suffering from wounds caused by the war, while millions of others are victims of the AO/dioxin, he noted.

Sharing Vietnam’s efforts in settling the consequences of war, Chien spoke highly of the U.S. veterans' organisations in promoting the two countries' friendship and cooperation and redress the consequences of the war on the Vietnamese people. He expressed his wish that the VFW will continue to pay attention to humanitarian aid and help overcome the consequences of AO/dioxin and unexploded ordnance.

He also asked VFW to continue encouraging others to provide information belongings and artifacts to Vietnamese offices to help in the search for the remains of soldiers who died during the war, noting that Vietnam will make all-out efforts to partner with the U.S. to search for missing soldiers in the country.

VUS President Nguyen Tam Chien presents a gift to VFW Senior Vice Commander-in-Chief Vincent “B.J” Lawrence.

For his part, Vincent, Senior Vice Commander-in-chief of the VFW, said he had a positive impression of the country, people and culture of Vietnam, as this is his first time visit the country.

He added that the visit affords him a chance to learn about Vietnam’s post-war recovery and development, the country and its people.

In 1991, the VFW sent representatives to the delegations of the U.S. Congressmen and ex-veterans to Vietnam to discuss the search for the U.S. servicemen missing in action.

It also sends delegations to Vietnam each year to learn about the country’s situation, the Vietnam – U.S. relations, and especially dealing with the search for missing Vietnamese and U.S. soldiers during the war.

During the trip from March 18^th-22^nd, the delegation will also have a meeting with Vietnamese Office For Seeking Missing Persons (VNOSMP) and visit excavation site in Kham Duc village, Phuoc Son District, Quang Nam Province./.

Hien Trinh