Hanoi (VNA) – National AssemblyChairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan has called on the US Congress to support theapproval of resolutions aiming to foster economic and trade ties with Vietnam.

At a reception for a delegation of the USSenate Committee on Armed Services led by its Chairman Senator John McCain inHanoi on June 1, the top legislator expressed her wish that the US Congress willcontinue backing the abolition of the catfish inspection programme of the USDepartment of Agriculture which has created great barriers to Vietnamesecatfish exports to the country.

She used the occasion to thank the USCongress for its efforts in dealing with post-war consequences, expressing her hopethat the two countries will continue making absolute and long-term commitmentsin this regard.  

She wished that the US Congress andauthority would maintain its assistance to dioxin decontamination at Da NangAirport and roll out the work at Bien Hoa Airport.

She said Senator John McCain’s visitwill contribute to reinforcing relations between Vietnam and the US as well astheir legislatures, especially in the context that the bilateral comprehensivecooperation is developing fruitfully.

Lauding positive support made by UScongressmen and tireless efforts of John McCain in particular to enhancing ties,the host called on the two legislative bodies to step up their exchanges anddialogues, including activities of the friendship parliamentary groups.

She urged John McCain to continue tointroduce and bring new US congressmen to Vietnam to help them understand moreabout Vietnamese culture, land and people, thus better connecting the twocountries.

Ngan noted with pleasure the outcomes ofthe freshly-concluded official visit to the US by Prime Minister Nguyen XuanPhuc, during which the two countries’ leaders agreed to step up the comprehensivepartnership in the interest of their people, and for peace, cooperation anddevelopment in the region.

The chief legislator said the Vietnam-USpartnership has made strides over politics, economy, trade, science,technology, culture, education and national defence and security.

Two-way trade climbed from about 300million USD in 1995 to 53 billion USD in 2016, she said, stressing that theestablishment of the Vietnam-US comprehensive partnership in July 2013 hasdemonstrated outstanding developments in the bilateral ties.

For his part, John McCain expressed hisdelight to witness socio-economic development achievements in Vietnam andprogresses in US-Vietnam relations.

He also applauded Vietnam’s efforts andactions to promote and ensure children’s rights.

Many US congressmen said they satisfiedwith the joint statement for enhancing the comprehensive partnership issuedduring PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc’s visit to the US.

The two sides also discussed regionaland international matters of shared concern, including the Eat Sea issue.

They stressed the importance ofguaranteeing peace, stability, maritime and over-flight security and safety inthe sea, and handling disputes by peaceful measures and on the basis ofrespecting diplomatic and legal processes, as well as international law.-VNA