WASHINGTON DC -- Vietnamese premier Nguyen Tan Dun offered his condolences to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo for the victims of typhoon “Frank” (international codename: Fengshen) and the MV Princess of the Stars tragedy.

The two leaders met here Tuesday (Washington time), though the meeting was not part of Arroyo’s schedule as furnished to media.

Arroyo thanked the Vietnamese leader for the gesture and for helping the Philippines ensure a stable rice supply.

Nguyen’s sympathy followed that of US President George W. Bush, who offered his condolences for the typhoon and ferry tragedy victims after meeting with Arroyo in the White House Tuesday morning (evening Manila time).

Among those present at the meeting were Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto Romulo, Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr., Press Secretary Jesus Dureza, Philippine ambassador to the United States Willy Gaa, and Cebu Representative Antonio Cuenco.