US Secretary of State congratulates Vietnam on its National Day.

After 18 years of normalized relations, Vietnam's development has gone 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 people of Vietnam on the occasion of their National Day, September 2nd."

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

Vietnam's journey has been a long one for me personally. I remember the beauty of a country I first came to know as a young naval officer. I will never forget, nearly a quarter of a century later, when my plane landed at a Hanoi airport in 1991 on my first visit to Vietnam as a civilian and witnessed a country that had overcome its past of war and division, and was enthusiastically engaging with the world. It was truly moving and an honor to be a partner of the Vietnamese people as our two countries resumed engagement.

It serves as a reminder that reconciliation doesn't come easily, but it's worth the effort and goodwill invested.

That journey was complete for me on July 24th, when I had the opportunity to welcome Vietnamese President Truong Tan Sang to the U.S. Department of State. President Truong Tan Sang's visit to Washington marked the progress we have made in the 18 years since the normalization of diplomatic relations between our two countries and reflected our shared desire to deepen the partnership between the peoples of our two nations.

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

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

On the occasion of Vietnam's National Day, let us celebrate the journey we have taken, from conflict to friendship. Thank you, because thanks to you we have accomplished things that seemed impossible at many times. I wish you peace, health, and prosperity in the coming year.

According to VOV - DT