US Ambassador to Vietnam Marc E. Knapper recently had a working session in the central province of Quang Tri to discuss cooperation in handling war consequences, VNA reported.
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| At the working session. Photo: Đ.V |
Receiving the diplomat, Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee Vo Van Hung thanked the US Government’s practical and meaningful support for Quang Tri through the embassy.
The area of land contaminated with landmines in Quang Tri remains large, he noted, calling for further remediation assistance from the US so that the province realise its goal of becoming the first locality in Vietnam to ensure mine safety by 2025.
He suggested the US Department of State continue to support the implementation of projects benefiting people with disabilities and those infected with Agent Orange/dioxin. Quang Tri wants to further receive the US’s humanitarian programmes and projects that aid its rural socio-economic development, the official added.
Hung hoped the diplomat will introduce Quang Tri’s potential in wind, solar and gas-fueled thermal power to potential US firms, pledging the best conditions possible for US investors to make fact-finding trips and conduct feasibility studies for their projects.
Knapper said the embassy highly appreciated the close and effective cooperation between the provincial authorities and non-governmental organisations in projects to remove unexploded ordnance and overcome the consequences of war. Quang Tri has made great contributions to the reconciliation and increasing mutual understanding between the Vietnamese and American people, he added.
The ambassador affirmed that the US Government is committed to dealing with the war consequences and healing the wounds on both sides, based on the principle of being honest with the past and working together towards a prosperous future.
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| US Ambassador to Vietnam Marc E. Knapper and officials offer incense at the Road 9 National Martyrs Cemetery. Photo: Đ.V |
While in Quang Tri, Knapper also visited a mine disposal site in Trieu Phong district, attended the inauguration ceremony of Trieu Dai Kindergarten and offered incense at the Road 9 National Martyrs Cemetery.
During the visit to the central demolition site in Trieu Son commune, Trieu Phong district, Ambassador Knapper and Hoang Nam, vice chairman of Quang Tri Provincial People’s Committee, together pressed the button to detonate dangerous explosives.
In the afternoon, the delegation visited PeaceTrees Vietnam’s office in Dong Ha city. The ambassador and member of US Embassy were introduced to PTVN’s activities as well as outstanding achievements that the organisation has achieved. The US Ambassador and Country Director of PeaceTrees Vietnam, Pham Hoang Ha, planted a tree together.
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| The delegation visits the central demolition site in Trieu Son commune, Trieu Phong district. Source: PeaceTrees Vietnam |
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| The US Ambassador to Vietnam and Hoang Nam, vice chairman of Quang Tri People’s Committee, together press the button to detonate dangerous explosives. This is an act that demonstrates the commitment of the two governments of Vietnam – US to always accompany with each other and make joint effort to address the consequences of the war in Vietnam. Source: PeaceTrees Vietnam |
According to the provincial People’s Committee, since 1996, the US Government has supported Quang Tri to implement programmes and projects in the field of war consequence settlement such as demining, assisting people with disabilities, building schools, health stations, and natural disaster prevention and mitigation. The US’s funding for mine clearance in the locality is estimated at about USD 91 million.
In 1995, PeaceTrees Vietnam was the first international non-governmental organisation coming to the province to help address post-war consequences through UXO clearance, and support for UXO victims.
Since 2005, with the support from US Government, PeaceTrees Vietnam removed over 145,910 dangerous landmines, bombs, mortar shells and grenades from over 6,501 acres of land, minimize the threat of UXO to communities. In addition, PTVN also participates in supporting UXO victims, explosive ordnance risk education, post-clearance community development and many other projects in the join effort to address the war’s legacies.
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| The US Ambassador and Country Director of PeaceTrees Vietnam plant a tree together. Source: PeaceTrees Vietnam |
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