 "Obama praises 'strengthening ties' between US and Vietnam")
Barack Obama praised "strengthening ties" between the United States and Vietnam at the start of a landmark visit on Monday, as the former wartime foes deepen trade links and share concerns over Chinese actions in disputed seas.
"We come here as a symbol of the strengthening ties we have made over the last several decades," Obama told his counterpart President Tran Dai Quang in Hanoi.
"Across the board, what we have seen is increased cooperation for the benefit of both of our people", Obama added.
