On Wednesday morning, the Chairman of the Da Nang People’s Committee, Mr Van Huu Chien, played host to the Commander of the US Pacific Fleet, Admiral Harry B Harris.

The US Admiral thanked the city leader for his warm welcome, and said that he was very impressed by the beauty of the seaside city.  He also expressed his delight at the fine development of the bilateral defence cooperation between the US Navy and the Viet Nam People's Navy over recent years.

Admiral Harris and Chairman Chien

The visitor also took the opportunity to report that many US Navy ships, including a hospital ship, would visit Da Nang next year, which will help to strengthen the defence ties between the two countries’ in the years ahead.

In reply, Chairman Chien thanked the US government for its support for Da Nang by implementing the “Removal of Dioxin Contamination” project at the Da Nang International Airport, as well as helping local disabled people.  He also applauded the US House of Representatives’ resolution that stressed the need for a peaceful solution to maritime and jurisdictional disputes in the Bien Dong (East Sea) on the basis of international law, and its the Code of Conduct in Bien Dong.

The host said that he would like Admiral Harris to continue his efforts to maintain peace, stability, security, safety and freedom of navigation and aviation in the Asia-Pacific region, including the Bien Dong.