In this afternoon (25th June), at the head office of the Ministry of Transport, the Minister Dinh La Thang had a meeting with Mr. Ted Osius, Ambassador of the United States in Vietnam.

The Minister Dinh La Thang met the Ambassador of the United States in Vietnam

At the meeting, the Minister Dinh La Thang and the Ambassador of United States in Vietnam Ted Osius affirmed that 2015 is a crucial year in the relations between our two countries, marked by 20th anniversary of Vietnam - United States normalization of relations (1995 - 2015); and this year will welcome important high level missions of the two countries, including the visit of the General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong.

The ambassador said: "When I first arrived in Vietnam, I expressed my desire to make the United States the number one investor in Vietnam. Now is the favorable opportunity to implement this objective. And one of the contents needed to be done is actualizing the opening of direct flights between the two countries. The establishment of a direct route will create favorable conditions for both the residents and businesses. "

Besides, the Ambassador also mentioned the signing of a cooperation agreement between the Vietnam Airlines and Boeing.

Thanking the Ambassador for visiting the Ministry of Transport, the Minister Dinh La Thang stressed, within the our competence, we totally agree and create favorable conditions for businesses of the two countries to work together. Besides, we encourage and facilitate Vietnam Transport businesses to have long-term cooperation with US firms on the basis of equality, mutual benefit and mutual respect.

"Particularly the contents of cooperation between Vietnam Airlines and Boeing are concerned the signing of memorandum accepting the offer and deposit for aircraft purchase, in principle MOT always support and facilitate both sides. However, Vietnam Airlines and Boeing should negotiate specifically with each other on this matter"- the Minister said.

The Minister also hoped that in the working term of the Ambassador in Vietnam, the two countries will establish a direct flight route.

"Vietnam will continue coordinate and cooperate with the Embassador to promote cooperation, trade and investment between the two countries to a new level. The Ministry of Transport will direct and urge Vietnam Airlines and aviation enterprises to enhance the effective cooperation between the two sides"- Minister Dinh La Thang said.