Press Release

STATEMENT BY THE PRESS SECRETARY

June 18, 2007

Visit of Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam

President Bush will welcome Prime Minister Dung of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam to the White House on June 24, 2008. The President welcomes the opportunity to talk to Prime Minister Dung about ways to advance our close bilateral cooperation on a broad range of issues, including ASEAN, the United Nations Security Council, education, energy and climate change, food security, and regional economic integration. The U.S.-Vietnam relationship is grounded in the shared commitment to a strong trade relationship, regional security and prosperity, and health and education cooperation. The President will also take this opportunity to highlight the importance he attaches to respect for human rights and the freedoms of speech, religion, and assembly.

# # #

NOTE: U.S. Ambassador to Vietnam Michael Michalak to Hold Press Roundtable, June 19

U.S. Ambassador to Vietnam Michael W. Michalak will hold a press roundtable on June 19 afternoon in Hanoi to discuss Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung’s upcoming visit to the United States.

Time: 3:00 p.m., Thursday, June 19, 2008
Location: American Center, 1st Floor, Rose Garden Tower, #170 Ngoc Khanh Street, Hanoi

Reporters who plan to attend this event must register their names with Mr. Ngo Quang Minh, U.S. Embassy Information Assistant, at phone: 04-850-5000 (ext 6150), or email: ngomq@state.gov, before 4:30 p.m. on June 18. Reporters should plan to arrive at least 20 minutes before the roundtable starts for security checks. Those who arrive after 2:55 p.m. on June 19 will not be able to attend the event.

###