Vietnam and the United States restored their human rights dialogue in Hanoi on Monday after more than three years of suspension, a US official said at a press briefing.

The two sides had productive discussion on religious freedom in Vietnam, US Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights and Labor, Barry Lowenkron, said after working with senior Vietnamese officials on the issue.

They also discussed other political rights of citizens, including those on freedom in establishing non-governmental organizations and using Internet, he said.

The resume of the human rights dialogue will contribute to fostering the bilateral ties, he said, adding that the two countries' relations have developed in various spheres, including anti-terrorism cooperation.

The resume was based on the commitment on promoting the bilateral ties to a new height made by Vietnamese Prime Minister Phan Van Khai during his visit to the United States last year, Barry Lowenkron said, adding that it also aimed to create some breakthroughs before the arrival of US President George Bush to Vietnam in November for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit.

(Xinhua News Agency February 21, 2006)