(VOVworld) - The Vietnam Embassy in the US celebrated the 20th founding anniversary of the two countries’ diplomatic ties with a ceremony in Washington D.C. on Friday.

Vietnamese ambassador Pham Quang Vinh spoke at the event.

Vietnam’s ambassador, Pham Quang Vinh, said that the normalization of bilateral ties marked a historical milestone, bringing the relations of the two countries to a new level: “The ceremony is the meeting of friends to review the past history and development of Vietnamese-US ties in all fields. This result can be attributed to the contributions of many Americans and Vietnamese people”.

Former US President Bill Clinton, who announced the normalization of diplomatic ties with Vietnam on July 11, 1995, sent a congratulatory video clip to the ceremony. He stressed that Vietnam and the US were cooperating to grasp opportunities and deal with regional challenges. The two still treat each other as friends, despite any differences.

At the ceremony, Senator John McCain, one of those who built the foundations for Vietnam-US ties more than 20 years, said the two countries have been successful in putting aside the past and moving toward the future: “I have never thought that there would be much progress: trade, education. All of the good things about our relationship have far exceeded anyone’s expectation. The lesson after 20 years is that we can put the bitterness and sorrow associated with the conflict and war behind us and build a partnership for the future benefits of our children and grandchildren”.

As Chairman of the US Senate Committee on Armed Services, Mr. John McCain said the US will stand by Vietnam to maintain peace and stability in the East Sea.