Ho Chi Minh City celebrates Vietnam-US diplomatic ties

Ho Chi Minh City, July 3 (VNA) - The Ho Chi Minh City Union of Friendship Organisations celebrated the 20th founding anniversary of Vietnam-US diplomatic relations with a ceremony in the city on July 2. Vice Chairman of the municipal People’s Committee Tat Thanh Cang highlighted the growing ties between the two countries which were lifted to a bilateral comprehensive partnership in 2013. The southern metropolis is proud to be a contributor to the normalisation of relations between the two nations and the comprehensive partnership, Cang said. He continued to say his city will boost multi-dimensional collaboration with US partners to open a new chapter in the two countries’ ties. HCM City committed to effectively implement the Vietnamese Party and State’s foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, multilateralism and diversification under the motto “Vietnam is a reliable friend and partner of all countries and a responsible member of the international community”, he added. US Consul General in the city Rena Bitter highlighted 2015 as a significant year in the history of the two countries’ relations. She noted that the two sides have reaped remarkable achievements over the past two decades with the establishment of their bilateral comprehensive partnership. Activities to mark 20 years of the two nations’ relations include upcoming visits to the US by Vietnamese leaders, she said, adding that she believes the two countries will continue their long-standing cooperation in all realms./.