Vietnam is strengthening its friendship and cooperative relations with the nations of the world, including the United States, President Nguyen Minh Triet said yesterday a delegation of American Congressmen.

Triet stressed the visit's contribution to the improvement of the relationship of cooperation between Viet Nam and the United States.

The US House of Representatives delegation, led by Majority Leader Democrat Steny Hoyer, and Republican minority whip Roy Blunt of Viet Nam welcomed cooperation with the United States, particularly in the search for American soldiers missing in action (MIA) in Vietnam during the American war.

They hope Viet Nam will continue to share information on the issue

Triet told the United States Congress for their visit was also an opportunity for them to assist in the development Viet Nam, he added.

Triet thanked the international community, including the United States, Vietnam to support the election as a non-permanent member of the Security Council of United Nations.

"Viet Nam will participate actively and effectively in the work of the Security Council in contributing to peace, stability, cooperation and development in Asia and the world," Triet said.

At the meeting, Triet and the visit of Congress reviewed progress and remaining differences in bilateral relations. Both sides agreed that Viet Nam-US developed remarkably in recent years thanks to the regular exchange of high-ranking delegations, increased trade and investment relations, and effective cooperation in culture , health and education.

Hoyer had met earlier in the day by the National Assembly Chairman Nguyen Phu Trong, and Triet said he believed that the discussions between the members of the National Assembly and his delegation would boost mutual understanding and help erase the differences that exist between the two countries.

Viet Nam National Assembly is currently reforming its organization and operations to improve the quality of legislative work to meet the requirements of the country, socio-economic development and international integration, Trong said at the Congress of the United States.

Congressmen raised questions of common interest such as environmental protection in the industrialization process and the protection of intellectual property rights.

Hoyer also met yesterday with the Deputy Prime Minister Hoang Trung Hai, who has asked the United States Congress to be a bridge to encourage American companies to invest in Vietnam, especially in the energy sector.

"Viet Nam attaches great importance to the diversification of energy sources, including other sources," Hai said.

"Viet Nam is also aware of the importance of protecting intellectual property rights, seeing it as an aid to Viet Nam successful integration and the development of technology" ; he added.