Lingle meets with
Vietnam delegation

Vietnamese officials hope for
a greater alliance with Hawaii

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Associated Press

Gov. Linda Lingle said Hawaii is considering a "sister-city" type relationship with the Vietnamese province of Thua Thien-Hue.

Lingle commented after meeting with a delegation from Vietnam, including Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Dy Nien on Friday.

Lingle and the Vietnamese officials discussed the similarities between Hawaii and Vietnam, and trade between the United States and Vietnam.

"We also discussed the upcoming Homeland Security conference and they expressed a willingness to send a delegation, said Lingle, referring to an Asia-Pacific security conference to be held in Honolulu next month.

Lingle also said the Vietnamese officials invited her to visit their country, and said perhaps she can accept the invitation next year.

Nguyen also said his delegation and the governor found many similarities.

"We want to establish a closer relationship with Hawaii," he said.

The delegation was in Washington before coming to Hawaii, and had a "fruitful discussion" with Secretary of State Colin Powell and congressional leaders, Nguyen said.

"We are confident the relationship between the United States and Vietnam will move ahead," he said. "It will take time but both desire it. It is in the best interest of peace and stability of Southeast Asia."

In Hawaii, there are many areas that Vietnam could help develop, including education, science, technology and tourism, Nguyen said.