Secretary Mattis’ visit highlighted the significant growth in the comprehensive partnership between the United States and Vietnam by visiting the Bien Hoa Airbase, situated 30 kilometers outside of Ho Chi Minh City, to reaffirm the US commitment to contribute to dioxin remediation - another significant step in addressing legacies of war. 
U.S. Ambassador to Vietnam Daniel Kritenbrink welcomes Secretary of Defense James Mattis. Photo: US Embassy in Vietnam
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“I strongly believe that as we continue to address these legacies, we can expand our work together for the mutual benefit of both our peoples and the world,” the ambassador said.
United States Agency for International Development, together with the Ministry of National Defense, completed a successful five-year, US$110 million effort to clean dioxin contaminated soil at Danang International Airport earlier this year. The subsequent dioxin remediation project at Bien Hoa Airbase exemplifies the persistent steps both countries continue to make to jointly resolve war legacies, while deepening a strong partnership through security, economic, and cultural cooperation.
During his visit, Secretary Mattis also met with Vietnam’s Defense Minister General Ngo Xuan Lich and the Secretary of Ho Chi Minh City’s Party Committee Nguyen Thien Nhan.
