Vietnam wants to continue cooperating with the US to overcome the consequences of war

“We are very interested in US decisions on the US International Development Agency (USAID). The two countries have been effective in many areas such as health, environment, and gas changes. Hau, natural disaster relief and especially overcoming the consequences of war through different mechanisms and forms, including USAID, “the Foreign Ministry spokesman Pham Thu Hang said in the press conference on February 13 .

Speaking made by Ms. Hang when answering the question of the impact of US President Donald Trump recently signing the order to freeze foreign aid, among them, there is aid to clearing mines and materials. Exploding from the war in Vietnam, as well as USAID activities abroad.

The Foreign Ministry spokesman said that US aid projects have been effective in many provinces of Vietnam, bringing a better life to people benefiting from there.

“The stopping of USAID support projects, especially mine clearance and explosive materials, as well as the detox project at Bien Hoa airport, will have a strong impact on the safety of people and the environment in the development place. declare, “Ms. Hang said.

The US since 1993 has provided about $ 200 million for traditional weapons destruction programs in Vietnam with the purpose of clearing mines, explosive materials, education on the risk of mines and mines, explosive materials and support. Victims, support for national capacity improvement.

US support activities are conducted through projects providing technical advisors, information management support for the National Mine Mine Action Center (VNMAC), as well as budget for non -non -budget organizations. The government such as Peace Trees Vietnam and transferred equipment, training human resources for mine clearance.

According to VNMAC estimates, Vietnam has about 800 thousand tons of bombs and bombs after the war. The total area of ​​pollution and mine pollution is suspected of about 6.1 million hectares, accounting for 18.82% of the total area of ​​the whole country.

Vietnam is also coordinating with USAID to conduct dioxin processing projects at Bien Hoa airport area. On January 17, before Mr. Trump took office, the US government pledged to raise capital from US $ 300 million to US $ 430 million to continue the project, added $ 140 million to expand the scale and scope of support. Victims of toxic chemicals, dioxin after the war in Vietnam.

“In the coming time, Vietnam wants to continue to implement and effectively and effectively with these cooperation activities, contributing to the stable and long -term development of the two countries in the spirit of a general statement about the general statement. Comprehensive strategic partnership for peace, cooperation and sustainable development, “Ms. Hang said.

A spokesman also stated that the US’s support and cooperation from Vietnam in the search for American soldiers disappeared in the war has a practical meaning, contributing to strengthening the friendship between the people of the two countries and becoming more and more. It should be important when Vietnam and the US are celebrating the 30th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations.

After taking office, President Trump on January 20 signed the Dharma Order suspending most foreign aid for 90 days. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio then sent a memorandum of memorandum for subordinates, affirming that “there will be no additional amount of money granted to new sponsorship programs or renewing the existing program, until each topic Export is evaluated and approved “.

The Trump administration also closed USAID offices abroad and recalled employees back home. The agency is facing a major reduction in personnel and budget as recommended by the Government Performance Department (DOGE) led by billionaire Elon Musk.

USAID was established under the US National Assembly’s law in 1961, focusing on humanitarian relief activities and development support worldwide. The agency accounts for about two -thirds of the US foreign aid budget, providing humanitarian aid to more than 100 countries such as natural disasters, medical support, health and emergency food support.

In a letter to Foreign Minister Rubio and the White House last week, 17 US ambassadors in Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia called on the US not to freeze the mine clearance in three countries. The former ambassadors said the decision to suspend foreign support in 90 days caused programs to overcome war consequences that the US sponsored to stop.

The former ambassadors said fully understanding the importance of the new government reviewing foreign support programs, but the decision is in danger of causing programs to overcome the consequences of the war seriously delayed, Even disappeared completely in “Three countries with great strategic importance to the US”.

Therefore, a quick and positive evaluation of exemption or evaluation of mines and mines clearance programs, supporting victims in Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia is essential, the former ambassadors wrote in the letter. .