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Feb 26, 2018 / 11:39

Vietnamese Ambassador visits US aircraft carrier

Ambassador Pham Quang Vinh’s trip comes amid strengthening Vietnam-US relations.

As part of the two-day trip from February 21, Vinh visited Naval Station Norfolk, homeport of aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77), Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement. He was accompanied by US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Patrick Murphy when welcomed on board of the aircraft carrier by other US officials.
U.S. Under Secretary of the Navy Thomas Modly (R) welcomes Vietnamese Ambassador to the U.S. Pham Quang Vinh (L). Photo:  Vietnam's Foreign Ministry.
U.S. Under Secretary of the Navy Thomas Modly (R) welcomes Vietnamese Ambassador to the US Pham Quang Vinh (L). Photo: Vietnam's Foreign Ministry.
Ambassador Vinh and the US officials highly appreciated the multi-dimensional development of the US-Vietnamese comprehensive partnership. The tie witnessed important milestones in 2017, including a number of high-level visits. Both sides pledged to keep enhancing national defense co-operation programs, especially in war reparation, search and rescue, humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, and maritime security and safety, as well as training and UN peacekeeping operations.
USS George H.W. Bush is the tenth Nimitz-class aircraft carrier, named after the 41st US President. The ship can carry a crew of up to 5,000 soldiers and sailors, as well as 90 military aircrafts. The ship's homeport Naval Station Norfolk is the US Navy's main base for fleets operating in the Atlantic Ocean, the Mediterranean Sea, and the Indian Ocean. This is the world’s largest naval station, home to 75 ships and 134 aircrafts.
During the trip, Vinh also paid a visit to Old Dominion University (ODU) and spoke about US-Vietnam ties as well as bilateral co-operation between ODU and partners in Vietnam.
At Vinh's meeting with ODU's president John Broderick and provost Austin Agho, the sides agreed to tighten education co-operation and exchange to help develop the US-Vietnam comprehensive partnership. Vinh highlighted the co-operation between ODU and Vietnam and believed these bonds would be reinforced, paving the way for Vietnamese students to access advanced training programs in the US. Meanwhile, John Broderick lauded Vietnamese students’ contribution to the bilateral ties.