US embassy cable - 05HANOI171

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