On Thursday, US Naval Secretary Ray Mabus and the US Ambassador to Viet Nam Ted Osius were warmly welcomed by Da Nang People’s Committee Chairman Huynh Duc Tho.

Secretary Mabus said that he was deeply impressed by the dynamic growth of Da Nang over recent years and he hoped that the city would gain more success in the years ahead.  He also noted that his country has become actively involved in providing technical assistance for a programme to cope with natural disasters which is expected to be implemented in the city soon.

Secretary Mabus (left) and Chairman Tho

He also remarked that the bilateral cooperation and exchange activities between the US and Vietnamese navies would help to create even more favourable conditions for trade and freedom of navigation in the Bien Dong (East Sea) on the basis of international laws.

In reply, Chairman Tho sincerely thanked the US government for joining efforts with the city’s authorities to implement the “Removal of Dioxin Contamination at the Da Nang International Airport” project, as well as their significant support for local charities and social welfare programmes.

The host also took the opportunity to affirm that Da Nang is making a significant contribution to safeguarding Viet Nam’s sovereignty over its territorial waters in the Bien Dong.

In the current context of the growing bilateral cooperation between the 2 countries, the city is willing to welcome US naval ships to visit and implement joint training programmes in the city.  The city leader also said that he would like Secretary Mabus and Ambassador Osius to do his utmost to appeal for more big businesses from the USA to invest in Da Nang.  This will help to further the development of the local economy.