Ivan Kanapathy, vice director of the US National Security Council, acknowledged that Vietnam has successfully assumed the ASEAN Chairmanship amid increasing challenges in security and development.
    |
 |
|
Participants of the event |
The US official also highly valued Vietnam’s contributions as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council (UNSC).
He voiced his hope that US-Vietnam relations would continue to flourish and welcomed the signing of an agreement on English teaching within the Peace Corps programme on the occasion of the 25th founding anniversary of diplomatic ties, affirming that Vietnam continues to play a central role in the US’s vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific.
Meanwhile, Congressman Ted Yoho said Vietnam is among those economies worldwide experiencing dynamic development and boasting a friendly investment climate.
He underlined that the development of bilateral ties in numerous fields over time can be attributed to mutual respect. For the US and Vietnam and other ASEAN countries, respect for international law is the most important factor in countries cooperating for shared prosperity.
Images and documentaries featuring Vietnam’s proud achievements in various fields were screened, as well as the country’s efforts to contribute to peace, stability, and cooperation in the region and the world.
Addressing the event, Ambassador Ha Kim Ngoc said that the historic moment giving birth to the Democratic Republic of Vietnam 75 years ago is a driving force for every Vietnamese to strive for independence, freedom, peace, and friendship with others.
Formerly a colony and country ravaged by war, Vietnam has become a dynamic economy and trusted destination for investment, trade, and tourism.
In 2020, as ASEAN Chair and a non-permanent member of the UNSC, Vietnam has been closely working with partners to sustain peace, security, stability, and a rules-based order in Indo-Pacific Asia and the world.
The country is exerting every effort to build a cohesive and responsive ASEAN, raising the bloc’s central role in the regional infrastructure.
The Vietnamese diplomat affirmed that Vietnam and the US respect shared values of humanity, which are independence and freedom. Since the normalisation of bilateral relations in 1995, the two have overcome challenges and posted remarkable results, he noted.
The comprehensive partnership, based on respect for each other’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, has blossomed in all spheres and addressed shared challenges in the region and the world.
Artistic programmes featuring traditional Vietnamese musical instruments and artists were also part of the ceremony.
Source: VNA