Christopher May Visit Vietnam

Vietnam’s deputy foreign minister said Sunday that U.S. Secretary of State Warren Christopher might visit Vietnam, paving the way for full diplomatic relations with the United States.

U.S. officials visiting Vietnam to try to resolve the fate of American servicemen declared missing in action during the Vietnam War mentioned a possible visit by Christopher to Hanoi, Deputy Foreign Minister Le Mai said.

Christopher would be the most senior official to visit Vietnam since the end of the war in 1975.

President Clinton lifted a U.S. trade embargo against Vietnam in February, and the two sides have agreed to open diplomatic liaison offices in each others’ capitals soon. Full diplomatic relations are expected to follow.

Mai, who has had two meetings with the U.S. delegation since its arrival Friday afternoon, said the talks have been constructive and both sides are pleased with the results.