The event was held by the US Centre forStrategic and International Studies (CSIS) on November 1 with VietnameseAmbassador to the US Pham Quang Vinh, and Senior Adviser and Deputy Director ofCSIS’s Southeast Asia Programme in attendance.
Le Ke Son used to serve as vice directorgeneral of the Vietnam Environmental Administration at the Ministry ofEnvironment and Natural Resources while Charles R. Bailey is the former US FordFoundation representative in Vietnam who headed the foundation’s Hanoi officefrom 1997 to 2007.
During the discussion, the two authors saidthe book is a result of their long-term study on a time when the two countrieswere going from enemies to partners and overcoming differences to resolve theimpacts of Agent Orange/ Dioxin on human health and the environment.
The US’s efforts in helping Vietnam copewith the war’s aftermaths contributed to fostering bilateral ties anddemonstrated a sense of humanity and morality, according to the authors.
In this book, two leading experts on AgentOrange and its aftermath also considered solutions to addressing theconsequences of its use. They urged more comprehensive long-term effortsbetween the two countries, including an Agent Orange cleanup at Bien HoaAirport and additional support to affected people in Vietnam.
Speaking at the event, Ambassador Vinh laudedthe book and the US assistance over the past 19 years in supporting victims anda dioxin cleanup project at Da Nang Airport.
The dioxin cleanup project at Da NangAirport is a symbol for the two nations’ cooperation in humanitarian issues andaddressing war aftermaths, Vinh said. He also asked the US Government to soonlaunch the cleanup project at Bien Hoa Airport.-VNA