US hands over dioxin-cleaned land at Bien Hoa Airbase to Vietnam

Vietnamese Deputy Minister of National Defense Senior Lieutenant General Hoang Xuan Chien met with U.S. Ambassador Marc Evans Knapper at the event to discuss continued cooperation on dioxin remediation and other war legacy issues.

Their talks focused on three points: the return of decontaminated land, the launch of a treatment plant under the Bien Hoa Airbase remediation project, and supplementary U.S. assistance for people with disabilities in dioxin-affected provinces.

Chien emphasized that the Bien Hoa project is one of eight major initiatives reflecting the effectiveness of Vietnam–U.S. cooperation in addressing war legacies.

The efforts are consistent with the 2023 joint statement by the two countries’ leaders to elevate ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership for peace and sustainable development.

He recalled attending the March 2023 inauguration of a park built on more than three hectares of decontaminated land at Bien Hoa Airbase.

“Building on that success, today we once again gather here for the next important steps, including the groundbreaking of a dioxin treatment plant,” Chien said.

He stressed that these results demonstrate the shared determination of both countries to set aside the past, look to the future, and work together for peace and sustainable development.

He also expressed gratitude to the U.S. government, American people, Vietnamese ministries, local authorities, and international partners for their collaboration in post-war remediation.

The ceremony also saw Ambassador Knapper and Major General Nguyen Dinh Hien, Commander of the Chemical Corps, sign an agreement on an additional US$32 million in U.S. non-refundable aid to expand programs supporting people with disabilities in provinces heavily affected by dioxin.

Chien urged Knapper to back the early signing of a $300 million contract that would allow Vietnam to complete the Bien Hoa cleanup by 2030, up to eight years ahead of schedule.

He pledged the defense ministry’s close coordination with relevant agencies and businesses to meet this goal.

In response, Knapper said he fully agreed with Chien’s remarks and the key tasks ahead to ensure the best outcomes.

He emphasized that U.S. commitment goes beyond dioxin remediation, extending to broader post-war cooperation and joint efforts to search for the remains of soldiers from both countries.

Knapper expressed anticipation for upcoming high-level exchanges, noting State President Luong Cuong’s planned visit to the U.S. for a United Nations meeting.

He added that Washington also looks forward to arranging a visit by Party General Secretary To Lam, underscoring that after several phone calls, the two countries’ top leaders are eager to meet in person.