U.S. - Vietnamese Defense Ties To Strengthen

U.S. Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta, left, shakes hands with Vietnamese Defense Minister Phung Quang Thanh in Hanoi, Vietnam, June 4, 2012. DOD photo by Erin A. Kirk-Cuomo

Former Enemies Vietnam, US Ramp Up Defense Ties -- Voice of America

HANOI, Vietnam - Defense chiefs from former foes Vietnam and the United States met Monday in Hanoi to ramp up ties at a time of rising tensions in the South China Sea.

In Hanoi’s searing hot mid-morning sunshine, defense chiefs of two nations once at war took part in a poignant exchange of war memorabilia, the diary of a Vietnamese soldier killed in action and letters written by an American officer serving in Vietnam.

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More News On Closer U.S. - Vietnamese Defense Ties

Panetta works to repair U.S.-Vietnam ties during historic visit -- L.A. Times
Panetta first top US official since war to visit old Vietnam Navy base -- Stars and Stripes
US sees strategic role for Vietnam's southern port -- AFP
Cam Ranh Bay Lures Panetta Seeking Return to Vietnam Port -- Bloomberg Businessweek
Access to Pacific harbors key to U.S. strategy: Panetta -- Reuters