Vietnamese Leader Begins Historic Visit to US

The prime minister of Vietnam, Phan Van Khai, has begun a visit to the United States, the first by a Vietnamese leader since the Vietnam War ended 30 years ago.

Mr. Khai began his week-long visit Sunday in Seattle in the western state of Washington. The trip is aimed at boosting bilateral ties and gaining Washington's support for Vietnam's entry to the World Trade Organization.

Mr. Khai is scheduled to meet with President Bush at the White House Tuesday.

Shortly after his arrival in Seattle, the Vietnamese leader visited American aviation giant Boeing's plant. He is scheduled to hold talks with Microsoft chief Bill Gates on Monday.

Several hundred Vietnamese-American protesters demonstrated in Seattle calling for Mr. Khai to leave the United States.