Explaining the reasons why the delay, the US embassy said that two members of delegation had symptoms similar to those of US diplomats who in 2016 had been victims of alleged and never proven ‘sonic attacks’ in Havana.

‘After carefully analyzing it (the fact), the decision was made to continue with Harris’ flight,’ the embassy reported.

Finally, Harris took off from Singapore´s Paya Lebar Air base at 7:32 pm, local time, after an over three-hour delay, in order to fulfill an agenda on Wednesday and Thursday.

It is known, however, that her Wednesday´s program includes a meeting with Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and other high-ranking leaders.

VNA, the official Vietnamese agency, announced that the parties will address issues of bilateral cooperation under a comprehensive association agreement, as well as issues related to regional security, global response to the Covid-19 pandemic, climate change and the promotion of international order on the basis of rules and observance of laws. On Wednesday, Kamala Harris will also open the Regional Office of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, sponsored by the United States.

According to analysts, Kamala Harris’ visits to Singapore and Vietnam responded to Washington’s interest in strengthening its influence in Southeast Asia and counteracting China´s growing role.

pgh/Pll/msm / asg