Vietnamese Ambassador to the US Ha Kim Ngoc delivers an opening speech at the launching of activities to celebrate the 25th founding anniversary of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and the US. (Photo: baoquocte.vn)

Ngoc said 25 years are not a long time in the history of the bilateral relationship, but what Vietnam and the US have achieved is really impressive.

He highlighted impressive achievements in the defence-security  partnership, especially in cooperation to address post-war consequences and improving enforcement capacity at sea.

Vietnam and the US have collaborated in UN peacekeeping operations and enhanced coordination in coping with regional and international security risks, the diplomat said.

The bilateral cooperation in education, culture, science and technology, and people-to-people exchanges has been expanded to help increase mutual understanding, Ngoc added.

Multilaterally, Vietnam and the US share strategic benefits in maintaining peace, security, stability, cooperation and rules-based order in Asia-Pacific, including issues relating to the East Sea, Mekong River, and North Korea.

The two sides have also coordinated at ASEAN forums, the APEC Forum, the UN, and the WTO, he added.

Stilwell said Vietnam and the US have overcome difficult times after the war to become reliable partners based on mutual respect.

The partnership and friendship between Vietnam and the US were built through the joint efforts, hence, the bilateral relationship in all areas has been continuously improved, he said.

At the launching ceremony, the Embassy of Vietnam and the US Department of State introduced the symbol of the celebration of 25-year diplomatic ties, which features pigeon wings bearing the national flags of Vietnam and the US.