Hanoi, July 6 -- the area in Vietnam most contaminated by UXO.

The two countries are celebrating 25 years of diplomatic ties on July 12 this year and 2020 also marks the 25th anniversary of PeaceTrees Vietnam, the first US non-governmental organisation (NGO) licenced to operate in UXO search and clearance in Vietnam.

Members of its mobile UXO clearance team in Quang Tri 's mountainous Dakrong district have increased from 36 in 2003 to 106 at present, including some of the local Pa Ko and Van Kieu ethnic minorities.

PeaceTrees Vietnam is ramping up efforts to complete clearance next year in areas of Dakrong blighted by cluster bombs.

Across Quang Tri, PeaceTrees Vietnam has combed more than 480ha of land and disposed of over 112,000 UX...