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