Secretary Kerry's statement on Vietnam's National Day

 

On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I am delighted to congratulate the people of Vietnam as you celebrate your National Day on September 2.

 

I was honored to visit Vietnam this August to mark the 20th anniversary of normalized diplomatic relations between our two countries, and to celebrate the great progress we have made in our relationship. This was my second visit to Vietnam as Secretary of State, and I met with your leaders to discuss our shared priorities of peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region, trade and investment, climate change, and our growing people-to-people ties. I was particularly impressed to see the progress we have made toward launching the Fulbright University Vietnam in the near future.

 

Looking back over the last 20 years, I see a vibrant, modern Vietnam that has achieved a great deal and become a key partner for the United States. The spirit of cooperation and dynamism of our two peoples offer a strong foundation as we look ahead to the next 20 years. I see a future full of possibility and opportunity. On this festive occasion, I wish all Vietnamese people peace and prosperity in the coming year.