Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam), Nov 19: The first US navy warship to cruise up the Saigon river since the Vietnam war ended nearly 30 years ago sailed into dock today in what is now Ho Chi Minh City, signaling a new era of relations between the former foes. The USS Vandergrift's historic visit comes at a time when the United States and Vietnam have been fostering the growth in their diplomatic and economic ties. However, it marks a new attempt at establishing military cooperation.
With the US and Vietnamese flags flying from the ship, a chain of white-uniformed sailors could be seen standing along the railings, some holding video cameras and binoculars.
The four-day port call follows a landmark meeting last week by Vietnamese defense minister Pham Van Tra and Secretary of Defence Donald H. Rumsfeld - the first time a senior Vietnamese military official has visited Washington.
Bilateral ties have been steadily expanding since diplomatic relations were established in 1995. Trade has boomed to over US$3 billion annually with the passage of a landmark agreement in 2001, and Vietnam recently announced that the United States now ranks as its top importer.

Bureau Report