US Secretary of State congratulates Vietnam on National Day

After 18 years of normalization of relations, Vietnam's development goes hand in hand with the development of the partnership between the two countries.

"On behalf of President Barack Obama and the American people, I would like to congratulate the Vietnamese people on the occasion of National Day September 2.

US Secretary of State John Kerry (Photo: abc.net.au)

The journey of Vietnam has been a long one for me personally. I remember the beauty of a country that I first encountered as a young naval officer. I will never forget landing at a Hanoi airport nearly a quarter of a century later in 1991 on my first visit to Vietnam as a civilian and witnessing a country that had overcome its past of war and division and was eager to engage with the world. It was a moving and an honor to be a partner of the Vietnamese people as our two countries resumed engagement.

It is a reminder that reconciliation does not come easily but is worth the investment of effort and goodwill.

That journey came to a close for me on July 24, when I had the opportunity to welcome President Truong Tan Sang of Vietnam to the U.S. State Department. President Truong Tan Sang’s visit to Washington marks the progress we have made in the 18 years since our countries normalized diplomatic relations and reflects our shared desire to deepen our people-to-people partnership.

Over the past 18 years, Vietnam has come a long way. And Vietnam's development goes hand in hand with the development of the partnership between the two countries.

Bilateral trade increased more than 50-fold between 1995 and 2012, and we continue to deepen our economic ties. In the coming year, we will work together to strengthen educational cooperation and promote people-to-people exchanges. We will enhance dialogue on trade, health, human rights, and environmental challenges. And we will advance our strategic partnership based on our shared desire for peace and stability throughout the Asia-Pacific region.

On the occasion of Vietnam's National Day, let us celebrate the journey we have made, from conflict to friendship. Thank you, thanks to you we have accomplished what seemed impossible at many times. May you enjoy peace, health and prosperity in the coming year"./.

According to VOV - DT