The US Congress has introduced two resolutions, affirming the importance of the comprehensive partnership between the US and Vietnam, in celebration of the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Vietnam and the US mark 25 years of bilateral diplomacy in 2020

Resolution S. Res 607 was sponsored by Senator Cory Gardner, Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on East Asia, the Pacific, and International Cybersecurity Policy, and Senator Edward Markey, Ranking Member of the Subcommittee. 

Resolution H. Res. 1018 was sponsored by Representative Ami Bera, Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Asia, the Pacific, and Nonproliferation, and Representative Ted Yoho, Ranking Member of the Subcommittee. 

The two resolutions acknowledge that 25 years after normalizing diplomatic relations, the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and the United States of America have worked toward increased stability, prosperity, and peace in Southeast Asia.

They affirm the importance of the Vietnam-US comprehensive partnership and cooperation between the two governments and peoples, for an Indo-Pacific region of peace, prosperity, openness, and on the basis of rules-based order, promoting security, development and respect for sovereignty.

The resolutions welcome the achievements of Vietnam-US cooperation in various areas, from politics, economy - trade, security - national defense, to settlement of war aftermath, education - training, health, cooperation between the two countries’ localities, as well as cooperation in regional mechanisms, including the Mekong region.

The resolutions also appreciate the Vietnamese community’s contributions to the development of the United States. 

Regarding the settlement of war aftermath, the resolutions highlight the results of bilateral cooperation in the detoxification of dioxin, the handling of unexploded ordnance and the search for American and Vietnamese soldiers missing in action. 

The US Congress highly appreciates Vietnam’s increasing role and position in the region and the world, especially when Vietnam takes on the dual role as ASEAN Chair 2020 and non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for 2020-2021. 

The US side welcomes Vietnam’s readiness to protect freedom of navigation and international law in the East Sea, and affirms that Vietnam’s rights and interests in accordance with international law must be respected.

Introducing the resolution S. Res 607, Senator Cory Gardner noted that the US-Vietnam relationship is vital for US security and leadership in the Indo-Pacific. 

“The past 25 years of normalized relations with Vietnam have been beneficial for trade, our public health, and for supporting human rights and democracy around the world,” said Cory Gardner. “I look forward to the next 25 years of strong partnership between the US and Vietnam….”

Meanwhile, Senator Edward Markey, expressed his support for the resolution. 

“I am pleased to partner with Senator Gardner on this resolution recognizing a full quarter of a century since the United States normalized relations with Vietnam,” said Senator Markey. 

“Together, we have forged a new strategic partnership, one founded on mutual interests of stability, prosperity, and peace in Southeast Asia – all the while healing as many Vietnam War wounds as we can through dioxin remediation and the repatriation of brave, fallen Americans.”

On this occasion, Vietnamese Ambassador to the US Ha Kim Ngoc thanked the support of the US Congress for the strong development of the comprehensive partnership between Vietnam and the United States.