US Congressman issues statement commemorating 20 years of normalization of relations with Vietnam

On July 14, Senator Sheldon Whitehouse issued a statement commemorating the 20th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and the United States. The US Senate also released a Congressional Record with the full text of Senator Sheldon Whitehouse's statement.

US Senator Sheldon Whitehouse. Photo: urbantimes.co

According to the VNA correspondent in Washington, Senator Sheldon Whitehouse’s statement emphasized that 20 years of normalization of relations is a historic milestone; the two sides have overcome the wounds of war and look forward to the future of the two countries becoming partners and friends; the people of the United States and Vietnam can be proud of the progress made in building lasting peace and friendship.

The statement stressed that the visit to the United States by General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Nguyen Phu Trong was a historic one. During the visit, the two sides discussed shared interests and opportunities for closer cooperation on a range of issues, including regional stability, economic cooperation, and addressing the legacy of war.

The statement expressed the desire to work together to further promote the relationship between the United States and Vietnam. As the United States and Vietnam continue to deepen their relationship, the two countries must continue to address the legacy of the war, especially the health and environmental consequences of Agent Orange and other herbicides.

The statement commended Senator Patrick Leahy’s leadership in the dioxin cleanup project at the Da Nang airport and other hotspots, and his support for health and disability programs, and called for continued support for initiatives that would further strengthen the relationship. The statement also highlighted the important role that Senator John McCain, along with Senator John Kerry, played in establishing diplomatic relations between the two countries.

According to VNA/News