In Vietnam side, welcomeing the delegation from the United States are Prof. Dr. Mai Trong Nhuan – the Presient of VNU, Lieutenant General Nguyen Chi Vinh - Deputy Minister of Defense, Dr. Tran Quang Quy - Deputy Minister of Education, Prof. Dr. Vu Minh Giang - Vice President of VNU, Prof. Dr. Pham Long - Director of Military Engineering Academy, and representatives of faculty members, scientists and students of VNU, students from the Academy of Military Engineering. From left to right: The US secretary of defense, Mr. Robert Michael Gates, U.S. Ambassador to Vietnam and other American generals, Mr. Michael W. Michalak and Prof. Dr. Mai Trong Nhuan, President of VNU In the welcoming speech to Mr. Robert Michael Gates, Prof. Dr. Vu Minh Giang stressed that his visit to VNU today would contribute to a deeper relationship between the two countries. Prof. Dr. Vu Minh Giang, said that 10 years ago, former U.S. President Bill Clinton had visited and had a talk with students of VNU. Since normalizing relations in just one decade, both countries have achieved tremendous growth, becoming trusted partners in matters of bilateral and multilateral. Mr. Robert Michael Gates expressed his joy towards the reception of the market leaders, teachers and students of VNU. He said that the working visit to Vietnam this time coincides with the time Vietnam has celebrated the 1000th anniversary of Thang Long - Hanoi. He wished Hanoi would be forever worthy the capital of peace. Sir Robert Michael Gates said he was the 3rd secretary of Defense of the U.S. coming to Hanoi within a decade. During that period, the relationship between the two countries have made good progress in many fields including defense. Both countries have worked together for peace and stability in the Pacific region and the world. He appreciated the relationship of cooperation between the two countries in military matters related to searching for Americans missing in Vietnam War. On the U.S. side, they are actively promoting the settlement of practical activities and supporting for victims affected by Agent Orange, mine left over after the war. Besides, the Pacific Command of the U.S. is cooperating with Vietnam in humanitarian activities such as building hospitals and schools for disadvantaged areas, severely affected by natural disasters in Vietnam. To put an end to his talk, he called the former President Bill Clinton’s saying from the last visit to Vietnam: "Give the young generation of the two countries an opportunity to better life in future, not the past of us. "