Vietnam Party Secretary urges U.S. to help tackle war consequences U.S. Senate President pro tempore Patrick Leahy is seen in this file photo. AFP Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong has called on the U.S. to closely coordinate with Vietnam in tackling war consequences, especially in demining and supporting Agent Orange victims in the Southeast Asian country. The Party leader made his call at a reception for visiting U.S. Senate President pro tempore Patrick Leahy on April 17 in Hanoi, during which General Secretary Trong also said Vietnam considers the U.S. a top important partner. Trong also expressed his hope that Vietnam and the U.S. will further promote their friendship and bilateral cooperation, particularly when both countries are ready to celebrate 20 years of the normalization of their relations next year. He suggested that the two sides maintain and increase multifaceted ties at all levels. In reply, Leahy pledged that his country will continue its efforts to work with Vietnam in dealing with war consequences faced by the latter's people and environment. The U.S. official also highly valued Vietnam’s goodwill and cooperation in seeking missing U.S. soldiers in the past war. He also briefed his host on the fruitful outcomes of his working sessions with other Vietnamese leaders. The Senator affirmed that the parliament and government of the U.S. are keen on strengthening comprehensive cooperation with Vietnam, effectively realizing the two countries' bilateral comprehensive partnership that was set up in July last year. During their meeting, the host and guest also discussed regional and international issues of mutual concern. The two officials also underlined the importance of bilateral affiliation in maintaining peace, stability, prosperity, and development in the region and the world. The same day Vietnamese National Assembly chairman Nguyen Sinh Hung also had talks with Senate President pro tempore Patrick Leahy, during which Hung affirmed that Vietnam attaches importance to the relationship with the U.S. and it is resolved to implement the two countries' agreements in accordance with the spirit of their comprehensive partnership.   Senator Leahy said that his delegation, comprising both Democrat and Republican lawmakers, wants to seek cooperation opportunities to strengthen the two nations' relation as well as their legislative bodies. Tuoitrenews