The firs visit of Vietnamese Prime Minister to US for the last 30 years

Vietnamese Prime Minister &to=http:// english.pravda.ru/world/2002/11/02/39036.html ' target=_blank>Phan Van Khai said on Thursday he planned to visit the United States in late June -- the first such trip by the communist country's top leader since the end of the Vietnam War 30 years ago.

Khai said his visit was aimed at "elevating and strengthening" Hanoi's relations with Washington and should not affect ties with neighboring China.

Relations between China and the United States, two of the world's major powers, are uneasy and distrustful on many front, tells Reuters.

According to ABC News, during the visit, Khai will likely bring up Vietnam's strong desire to join the World Trade Organization. The former foes are currently involved in bilateral negotiations that would help pave the way for Vietnam's entry to the global trade body.

Khai would be the highest-ranking leader to visit Washington since the &to=http:// english.pravda.ru/letters/2003/04/03/45505.html ' target=_blank>Vietnam War ended on April 30, 1975, when former U.S.-backed South Vietnam surrendered to communist forces. In addition to Khai, Vietnam's other top leaders include President Tran Duc Luong and Nong Duc Manh, the powerful head of the ruling Communist Party.