Da Nang People’s Committee Chairman Huynh Duc Tho (right) and Vice Admiral Philip G. Sawyer

The reception took place within the framework of the ongoing four-day port call to Da Nang  made by the the group of US naval ships, comprising the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70), the guided missile cruiser USS Lake Champlain (CG 57) and the destroyer USS Wayne E. Meyer (DDG 108).

Chairman Huynh Duc Tho gave the US guests a warm welcome, saying that the “Meet the USA 2018” conference jojned held by the Vietnam Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Da Nang People’s Committee, the US Embassy and the American Chamber of Commerce in Viet Nam on the same day has ended successfully. 

The city leader reported that, Da Nang has established friendly relationships with the US cities of Oakland, Pittsburgh and Houston.  The city has also set up relationships with many US non-governmental organisations involving in humanitarian activities and development assistance. 

Over recent year, appeals for US investment have made via business trips to the US made by representatives from the Da Nang authorities.  The US is amongst the largest group of foreign investors in Da Nang, with about 50 projects, worth over 500 million USD in total, covering various aspects.  Notably, the US has become one of Da Nang’s biggest official development assistance (ODA) providers. 

In reply, Philip G. Sawyer said he was deeply impressed by the city’s beautiful landscapes, especially its successful hosting of the APEC Economic Leaders’ Week 2017.  The US naval officer also remarked the visit by the US aircraft carrier clearly demonstrates the increasingly dynamic all-faceted relationship between the 2 countries over recent years. 

He added that the visit shows that the 2 countries shared a number of common interests in the region, especially maintaining peace, stability, security and prosperity, especially the enhancement of regional stability, peace, freedom of navigation and the compliance with international law.

The photo session at the Da Nang Administrative Centre Building

During the four-day stay in Da Nang, the ships’ leaders are scheduled to pay courtery visits to the Da Nang People’s Committee, as well as the High Commands of the Viet Nam People’s Navy and the Naval Forces Zone No 3.  Their officers and crew members will visit several social welfare centres for the mentally ill, Agent Orange victims, orphans and disadvantaged children.  They will also share their technical expertise in water and electricity supply, first aid provision, response to disasters, firefighting, health care and personnel training on aircraft in several local venues; and join in cultural exchanges activities as well as friendly sporting events with their Vietnamese colleagues.  Additionally, Navy musicians from the U.S. 7th Fleet Band will perform free public concerts.

Quynh Dan