U.S., Vietnam sign landmark aviation agreement
WASHINGTON - The United States and Vietnam signed a landmark agreement on Thursday to provide air service between the two countries, building on the former enemies' expanding trade ties.
The five-year aviation agreement allows airlines of both countries, with some restrictions, to provide U.S.-Vietnam air service with their own aircraft. The deal also allows unlimited code sharing.
"Since our two countries signed a bilateral trade agreement late last year, our economic ties have become stronger," said U.S. Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta.
Mineta said direct trade last year between the two countries totaled $3 billion.
The agreement was reached in October after several rounds of negotiations.
Mineta and Vietnamese Transport Minister Dao Dinh Binh signed the agreement at Transportation Department headquarters.
Reuters - December 05, 2003.
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