US President Barack Obama has scrapped a Cold War-era ban on weapons sales to Vietnam, as ties between the former foes grow closer thanks to trade and mutual fears of Chinese expansion in disputed seas.
The visit is Obama`s first to the country — and the third by a sitting president since the end of the Vietnam War in 1975. Direct US involvement in the conflict ended in 1973.
Obama said he was “moved” to see thousands of locals lining Hanoi`s streets, craning with smartphones in hand for a view of his motorcade.
The nations have experienced an astonishing turnaround in their relations, from bitter foes to regional allies.Until now Vietnam`s dismal human rights record has weighed against a full rollback of the arms embargo.
Barack Obama banishes Vietnam war era
