Vietnamese Ambassador to the US Ha Kim Ngoc at the event.

During his address in Washington D.C on Tuesday at the 25th anniversary celebration of Vietnam-US diplomatic relations from 1995 to 2020, Ambassador Ngoc said Vietnam-US relations have 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 cooperated to address both regional and global issues, in areas such as the East Sea, the Mekong Delta, and the Korean Peninsula. Both sides have also become involved in matters of shared concerns at the United Nations Security Council. Mr. Ngoc said the countries have also been working together to promote the ASEAN-US Strategic Partnership and the centrality of ASEAN within the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.

Deputy Secretary of State Stephen Biegun.

US Deputy Secretary of State Stephen Biegun said that co-operation in searching for missing US soldiers has helped to pave the way for both countries to normalize ties whilst resolving the consequences of the conflict, such as dioxin detoxification, mine clearances, and aid for war victims. Mr. Biegun said 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. 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.