An Open Letter to the People of Hanoi

June 9, 2006

I recently spent two days in your beautiful and historic city.  I was deeply struck by the vibrancy and energy that is so evident on the streets of Hanoi.  Clearly, Vietnam is a country on the move in every sense and the people of your dynamic city show it well.

During excellent meetings with the Prime Minister and the Defense Minister, we had the opportunity to reinforce the strong and positive relationship between Vietnam and the United States.  We discussed a wide range of economic, political and military activities that will be of mutual benefit to our two nations, including the upcoming official visit of President Bush to Hanoi.  I also had the privilege of visiting one of the oldest universities in the world at the Temple of Literature, which was most impressive. 

I thank you for your hospitality and the opportunity to visit your beautiful city.  I look forward to further visits, and to continued warm relations between the United States and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.

Donald H. Rumsfeld
U.S. Secretary of Defense