20th years of Vietnam-US diplomatic ties normalisation marked

Illustrative image (Photo: VNA)

Authorities of southern Kien Giang province and the Consulate General of the United States in Ho Chi Minh City held a ceremony in Rach Gia city on October 1 to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the normalisation of Vietnam-US diplomatic ties.

In his remarks at the ceremony, Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee Le Van Thi briefed attendees on the milestones of Vietnam-US relationship over the last 20 years, particularly after the launch of the Vietnam-US Comprehensive Partnership in July 2013.

The normalisation has ushered in a new era for their bilateral relations, he said, stressing that the ties have made significant progress since then, benefiting not only the two countries but also the global arena.

Thi affirmed that local authorities welcome all foreign investors, including those from the US, and offer them preferential policies to conduct business in the province.

The provincial leader expressed his belief that cooperation between Vietnam and the US as well as Kien Giang province and US states and enterprises would expand in all fields but especially in people-to-people exchange.

For her part, Consul General Rena Bitter said that the US is much impressed by Vietnam’s robust development and honoured to be considered its friend and partner.

Following achievements in development cooperation over the past 20 years, the two countries’ comprehensive partnership will continue to grow, she hoped. 

According to the Kien Giang Union of Friendship Organisations, US non-governmental and governmental organisations, enterprises and the Vietnamese-American community contributed about 40 percent of the more than 800 billion VND (35.6 million USD) in total donations and financial aid that the locality has received from overseas since 2005.

US investors are investing in seafood processing, urban development and tourism in Phu Quoc Island.-VNA