(VOVworld) – On July 11, 1995, the US government announced it would normalize relations with Vietnam and end its 20-year economic embargo against Vietnam. 20 years on, the US and Vietnam have found a common voice in many issues including those once considered obstacles to bilateral ties. Although more need to be done to improve mutual trust, both countries are satisfied with what has been achieved over the past 20 years.
On July 11, 1995, US President Bill Clinton announced the normalization of diplomatic relations with Vietnam. That historic announcement opened a new chapter in the relations of two countries that used to be enemies.
From initial difficulties……
Returning to Vietnam in July as a special guest to attend ceremonies celebrating the 20th anniversary of Vietnam-US diplomatic ties, former President Clinton said: “Vietnam-US relations today are due to an unprecedented huge efforts by both sides.” He said that 20 years ago when he mentioned the idea of normalizing relations with Vietnam, many people thought it was unwise and could not imagine then what both countries have achieved already.
….to practical cooperative results
Vietnam-US relations have improved beyond expectations. Two-way trade turnover increased from 25 million USD to 35 billion USD. Vietnam has become one of the US’s leading partners in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Last year, Vietnam surpassed Thailand to become the biggest ASEAN exporter to the US market. The US has become Vietnam’s 7th largest investor. Vietnam and the US are conducting negotiations on the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement which is expected to be signed by the end of this year. Once this agreement is signed, bilateral cooperation in trade, economics, and investment will be further expanded. There are 17,000 Vietnamese students in the United States, the 8th most among countries with students in the US. US Ambassador to Vietnam Ted Osius noted that the US Fulbright Program will soon build a Fulbright University Vietnam, which will be Vietnam’s first private, non-profit university. Ambassador Ted Osius said: “I was here then, and I can tell you that although we offered the best, no one predicted that we would come so far, so fast. Secretary Kerry says that when he was in Vietnam in 2013. He said no countries have worked harder, done more, and done better to try to bring themselves together and change the history, change the future. So the comprehensive partnership gives a road map on the way.”
Strengthening understanding, building trust
Ambassador Osius described Vietnam-US relations over the last 20 years as a well-fostered tree thanks to great efforts by both sides. Both countries prioritized enhancing trust and strengthening understanding towards the future. They have increased the exchange of high-level visits and promoted cooperation in human rights, national defense, and dealing with war aftermaths. 2013 marked a special milestone in bilateral ties as they established a comprehensive partnership. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh said: “Vietnam and the US have made an effort to get beyond the past and look toward the future. The Vietnam-US relationship has developed beyond the framework of bilateral ties contributing to peace, cooperation and development in the Asia Pacific region and the world. Their bilateral cooperation has demonstrated that peace and prosperity in Southeast Asia and Asia Pacific has a real potential.”
Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong holds talks with President Barack Obama (Source: VNA)
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To mark the 20th anniversary of the normalization of bilateral ties, Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong has paid an official visit to the US, the first ever US visit by a General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam.
Major milestones in Vietnam-US relations
- February 3rd, 1994: President Bill Clinton lifts US trade embargo against Vietnam.
- January 1995: Vietnam and the US sign an agreement establishing liaison offices in each other’s capital.
- July 1995: US President Bill Clinton announces normalization of relations with Vietnam.
- July 2000: Vietnam and the US sign Bilateral Trade Agreement.
- November 2000: Bill Clinton becomes the first US President to pay an official visit to Vietnam.
- June 2005: Prime Minister Phan Van Khai visits the US at the invitation of President George W. Bush.
- November 2006: US President George W. Bush visits Vietnam.
- December 2006: US Congress approves Permanent Normal Trade Relation status for Vietnam.
- June 2007: President Nguyen Minh Triet visits the US at the invitation of President George W. Bush.
- June 2008: Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung visits the US at the invitation of President George W. Bush.
- September 2011: the two countries sign an MOU on “advancing bilateral defense cooperation.”
- July 2013: President Truong Tan Sang pays official visit to US at the invitation of President Barack Obama. The two sides release a Joint Statements establishing a Comprehensive Partnership.
- June 2014: Vietnam and the US sign the 123 Civil Nuclear Cooperation pact.
- October 2014: US partially lifts lethal weapons ban on Vietnam.
- 2015: Both countries celebrate the 20 th anniversary of normalized relations.
- July 2015: General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Nguyen Phu Trong pays official visit to the US.