Last updated: 15:19 - December 7, 2006
President praises Clinton's contributions to HIV/AIDS fight http://www.nhandan.com.vn/english/news/071206/domestic_pr.htm
President Nguyen Minh Triet thanked former US President Bill Clinton and his foundation for their efforts towards fighting HIV/AIDS in Vietnam.
President Triet showed his appreciation when he received former US President William J. Clinton, President of the Clinton Foundation, in Hanoi on December 6. Clinton stayed in Vietnam on December 5-6 during his Asian tour to boost regional co-operation in combating HIV/AIDS under the Clinton Foundation HIV/AIDS Initiative (CHAI).
The State leader welcomed the signing of a letter of commitment concerning an expanded treatment programme for Vietnamese children victims of HIV/AIDS between the Clinton Foundation and the Vietnamese Health Ministry. He expressed his wish that the foundation would expand its assistance to Vietnam beyond the fight against HIV/AIDS to mine clearance, support for Agent Orange victims, education and training as part of efforts to strengthen the friendship between the peoples of Vietnam and the US.
He also praised Clinton for his role and efforts towards the process of normalising and developing the relations between the two countries.
Former US President Clinton said he was pleased with his second visit to Vietnam where he and his entourage were warmly welcomed by the ordinary people.
Apart from applauding Vietnam on its development achievements over the past years and its growing position in the international arena, Clinton congratulated Vietnam's official membership of the World Trade Organisation and successful organisation of the 14th APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting.
The former US President expressed his delight at progress in Vietnam-US ties in areas of economy and politics and in the relationship between the two peoples in the past decade, describing it as "a model of relationship" for other countries in the 21st century.
Praising the Vietnamese government's endeavours in battling the HIV/AIDS pandemic, Mr Clinton stated that his foundation will continue to assist Vietnamese children and women to fight the disease and will consider the provision of assistance to other humanitarian areas.
Mr Clinton also expressed his strong support for the US Congress's adoption of a bill on permanent normal trade relations (PNTR) with Vietnam and hoped the bill will soon be ratified.
Later in the day, Mr Clinton paid tribute to President Ho Chi Minh at his mausoleum and visited his residency. (VNA)
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