Vietnamese Ambassador to the US Ha Kim Ngoc highlighted the establishment of diplomatic relations with the United States in 1995 as a momentous occasion that opened up a new chapter in bilateral ties, as well as Vietnam’s integration process in the region and the wider world.

Vietnamese Ambassador to the US Ha Kim Ngoc at the event 

During his address at the 25th anniversary celebration of Vietnam-US diplomatic relations from 1995 to 2020, an event which took place in Washington D.C on July 28, Ambassador Ngoc said both nations have since healed the wounds of war, built trust, and established a comprehensive partnership. These ties are built on the basis of mutual interests and respect for independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and various political institutions.

The mutual partnership has enjoyed steady growth in recent years across a variety of fields, including mutual assistance to cope with the novel coronavirus epidemic and economic recovery.

Both countries have also expanded their co-operation to address both regional and global issues, including in areas such as the East Sea, the Mekong Delta, and the Korean Peninsula. Indeed, both sides have become involved in matters of shared concerns at the United Nations Security Council, thereby contributing to maintaining peace, security, co-operation, and respect for international law.

Both sides have also been working together in an effort to promote the ASEAN-US Strategic Partnership and the centrality of ASEAN within the Indo-Asia-Pacific region, the Vietnamese diplomat said.

Deputy Secretary of State Stephen Biegun 

Upon speaking at the ceremony, US Deputy Secretary of State Stephen Biegun assessed that co-operation in searching for missing US soldiers has helped to contribute to paving the way for both countries to normalise ties whilst co-operating to resolve the consequences of the conflict, such as dioxin detoxification, mine clearances, and aid for war victims. These joint efforts have ultimately helped to strengthen the partnership between both sides.

In addition to achievements in terms of bilateral co-operation on trade, defence, education, and exchanges between citizens, the two countries share common benefits in terms of responding to challenges faced in the Mekong Delta region, the Indian Ocean, and the Pacific Ocean. 

The US has pledged to continue supporting the nation to improve its law enforcement capacity at sea, with efforts made to deploy Peace Corps volunteers to teach English in Vietnam, US Deputy Secretary of State Biegun said.

He went on to congratulate the country on effectively taking on the role of ASEAN Chair and non-permanent member of the UN Security Council, particularly in the face of numerous challenges.

 Senator Patrick Leahy 

Moreover, Senator Patrick Leahy emphasized that the past 25 years has seen both sides record an array of significant milestones, with great strides being made in a multitude of areas. He therefore expressed his gratitude to those who have contributed to the normalisation of bilateral relations, including late Senator John McCain and former Senator John Kerry.

Senator Leahy went on to describe co-operation activities in overcoming the consequences of war, including dioxin detoxification, the clearance of mines, along with the search for missing soldiers of both countries as bright spots in bilateral relations, with the US Congress pledging to support Vietnam in these areas.

Congressman Ted Yoho 

Furthermore, Congressman Ted Yoho said that it was the sincerity of the Vietnamese people that had contributed to helping connect the two countries, with two-way trade reaching US$80 billion, a display of mutual trust and respect.

Upon assessing the current challenges in the East Sea, Congressman Yoho said that now is the time for both nations to not only co-operate in terms of the economy, but also to contribute to maintaining peace in the region.

Many American friends from non-governmental organisations, business associations, religious organisations, the Communist Party of the US, and leftist movements, including those who directly participated in the early stages of normalising the two countries' relations, expressed deep memories and appreciation for their Vietnamese friends. They therefore showed their firm beliefs about the positive future that exists in terms of Vietnam-US relations.

The virtual celebration arranged by the Embassy of Vietnam in the United States marks one of the leading events in a range of activities celebrating the 25th anniversary of diplomatic relations between both sides.