(VOVworld) – The relationship between the US and Vietnam has grown closer during the past two decades, said US President Barack Obama, who expressed his hope for closer ties both bilaterally and multilaterally. Obama told newly-accredited Vietnamese Ambassador Pham Quang Vinh on Monday in Washington that the Vietnam-US comprehensive partnership established in July, 2013, has created a framework for reinforcing their affiliation in economics, security, maritime capacity, climate change response, environmental protection, education, and human rights. The two countries are expected to work closely on an early conclusion of the Trans-Pacific Partnership agreement and the promotion of stability and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region.

Vinh expressed his honor at becoming the new Vietnamese Ambassador to the US and suggested both sides prepare for upcoming visit to the US by Party chief Nguyen Phu Trong. He promised his concerted effort to promote Vietnam-US ties bilaterally and multilaterally.

Speaking to a VOV correspondent after his meeting with Obama, Vinh highlighted 2015 as an important year when Vietnam and the US will mark the 20th anniversary of their diplomatic ties. The two countries will cooperate to organize high-ranking visits and several commemorative activities throughout this landmark year.

Ambassador Vinh said:“Since late 2014, Vietnam and the US have detailed a plan to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations this year with high-level delegation exchanges as the highlight. US Secretary of State John Kerry has recently conveyed an invitation from the US administration to Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong for a US visit in 2015 when we’re also looking forward to a possible visit to Vietnam by President Obama. Such visits, if they occur, will boost bilateral ties. We are coordinating closely for celebratory activities.”

Vinh added that before he took this post, he spent 2 months discussing with US officials ways to boost future Vietnam-US relations.