Washington D.C., (VNA) -🦩 US officials spoke highly of Vietnam's role in the world while attending a virtual ceremony held by the Vietnamese Embassy in the US on September 10 to celebrate the 75th anniversary of Vietnam's NationalDay (September 2). 

Ivan Kanapathy, vice director of the US NationalSecurity Council, acknowledged that Vietnam has successfully assumed the ASEANChairmanship amid increasing challenges in security and development. The US official also highly valued Vietnam’s contributions asa non-permanent member of the UN Security Council (UNSC). He voiced his hope that US-Vietnam relations would continueto flourish and welcomed the signing of an agreement on English teaching withinthe Peace Corps programme on the occasion of the 25th founding anniversary of diplomatic ties,affirming that Vietnam continues to play a central role in the US’s vision of afree and open Indo-Pacific. Meanwhile, Congressman Ted Yoho said Vietnam is among those economiesworldwide experiencing dynamic development and boasting a friendly investmentclimate. He underlined that the development of bilateral tiesin numerous fields over time can be attributed to mutual respect. For the USand Vietnam and other ASEAN countries, respect for international law is themost important factor in countries cooperating for shared prosperity. Images and documentaries featuring Vietnam’s proudachievements in various fields were screened, as well as the country’s efforts tocontribute to peace, stability, and cooperation in the region and the world. Addressing the event, Ambassador Ha Kim Ngoc said thatthe historic moment giving birth to the Democratic Republic of Vietnam 75 yearsago is a driving force for every Vietnamese to strive for independence,freedom, peace, and friendship with others. Formerly a colony and country ravaged by war,Vietnam has become a dynamic economy and trusted destination for investment,trade, and tourism. In 2020, as ASEAN Chair and a non-permanent memberof the UNSC, Vietnam has been closely working with partners to sustain peace,security, stability, and a rules-based order in Indo-Pacific Asia and theworld. The country is exerting every effort to build acohesive and responsive ASEAN, raising the bloc’s central role in the regional infrastructure. The Vietnamese diplomat affirmed that Vietnam andthe US respect shared values of humanity, which are independence and freedom.Since the normalisation of bilateral relations in 1995, the two have overcomechallenges and posted remarkable results, he noted. The comprehensive partnership, based on respect for eachother’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, has blossomed inall spheres and addressed shared challenges in the region and the world. Artistic programmes featuring traditional Vietnamesemusical instruments and artists were also part of the ceremony./.