Vietnam’s Deputy Defense Minister Senior Lieutenant General Hoang Xuan Chien delivers a speech. (Photo: VNA)

General Chien expressed his appreciation for USAID’s continued support, particularly its work on dioxin remediation at Bien Hoa Airport and assistance for Agent Orange victims in heavily affected provinces. He said USAID's advocacy contributed to the resumption of projects during the US government's recent review of foreign aid programs.

Mr. Chien called on the US Embassy and related US agencies to work closely with Vietnam’s Ministry of National Defense to speed up the implementation of current agreements. This includes mobilizing resources to accelerate dioxin cleanup at Bien Hoa, Phu Cat, and other contaminated sites, and supporting projects to improve the quality of life for people with disabilities in eight provinces with high dioxin exposure.

The deputy minister urged both sides to reimplement a Letter of Intent on media cooperation regarding post-war unexploded ordnance and toxic chemical consequences. He called for continued implementation of a signed memorandum of understanding to search for Vietnamese soldiers who died or went missing during the war.