(VOVWORLD) - Several high-ranking delegations, political party leaders, representatives of international organizations, peace and anti-war movements, and international friends, including those from the United States have confirmed their attendance at the 50th anniversary celebration of the liberation of the south and national reunification on April 30, said Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Pham Thu Hang.
 Female Military Medical Officers. Photo: VOV |
At a regular press conference in Hanoi on Thursday, when asked about a recent report by The New York Times saying that the US President Donald Trump’s administration had asked US officials not to attend the celebration of Vietnam’s April 30th anniversary, spokesperson Pham Thu Hang said Vietnam is not yet in a position to verify the authenticity of this information.
 Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Pham Thu Hang (Photo: Pham Hai/ daidoanket.vn) |
She said: "The April 30 victory was the victory of conscience and justice, bringing an end to suffering and loss for not only for Vietnamese people but also for many American families. Over the years, generations of Vietnamese and Americans have made significant efforts to build the relationship we see today. The April 30 anniversary is a time to honor the enduring values of forgiveness, peace, reconciliation, and healing, putting aside the past and looking toward the future.”
From former adversaries, Vietnam and the US normalized relations and established diplomatic ties in 1995. The two countries set up a Comprehensive Partnership in 2013, and most recently upgraded their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for Peace, Cooperation, and Sustainable Development. The continued development of the Vietnam-US relations is in line with the shared interests and aspirations of the people of both nations, contributing to peace, stability, cooperation, and development in the region and the world.
Also at the press conference, spokesperson Pham Thu Hang extended Vietnam’s deepest condolences to the Government and people of India following the terrorist attack on April 22, and voiced Vietnam’s belief that those responsible will soon be brought to justice.