CENTRAL COMMITTEE MEMBER TO VISIT THE UNITED

UNCLAS HANOI 000171

SIPDIS

DEPT FOR EAP/BCLTV AND EAP/PD

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL PGOV OVIP VM
SUBJECT: CENTRAL COMMITTEE MEMBER TO VISIT THE UNITED
STATES


1. (U) This is an action request. Please see paragraph 4.


2. On January 21, Post received a letter addressed to the
Ambassador from the Hanoi People's Committee, Department for
Foreign Affairs, informing Post that a "senior delegation"
headed by Professor Dr. Phung Huu Phu, Chairman of the Hanoi
People's Council, intends to lead a delegation to visit the
United States from April 19 - 25, 2005. See text below:


3. (U) Begin text:

H.E. Mr. Michael W. Marine
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of
the United States of AMERICA

Dear yours Excellency:

On the occasion of New Year 2005, I would like to wish you,
your family and colleague good health, happiness, success
and to discuss with you the following issue:

Hanoi City intends to organize a senior delegation headed by
Professor Dr. Phung Huu Phu, Chairman of Hanoi City Council,
to pay a working visit to Chicago, Texas and New York from
19th to 25th April 2005.

The purposes of the visit are:

-- Enhancing cooperation between Hanoi and Chicago, Texas
and New York.

-- Exchanging and learning experiences on urban planning,
especially on urban transportation; historical - culture
site preservation.

-- Developing cooperation between Hanoi and above cities on
official training in the field of economic, language, and
science and technology and promoting bilateral investment,
trade and tourism.

All cost of the visit will be borne by Hanoi City.

For the best efficient of the visit, it would be appreciated
if you could support us in issuing invitation letter for the
Delegation and give me a few time next week to meet and
discuss with you on concerning matters.

I sincerely thank you for your assistance and cooperation.
I am looking forward to your reply soon.

Yours sincerely,

Dr. Nguyen Quang Thu
General Director /S/
Hanoi Foreign Affairs Department

End text.


4. (U) Comment and action request: Dr. Phung Huu Phu, as
head of the Hanoi People's Council (the equivalent of a city
council),is the Party's First Vice Chairman in the city of
Hanoi. He is also a member of the Communist Party's Central
Committee. We do not often get Central Committee members to
visit the United States and would like to do well by this
delegation. Please advise what options may be available to
make the most of this opportunity. End comment and action
request.

Marine