US Senator Sheldon Whitehouse on July 14 issued a statement on the 20thanniversary of the normalisation of diplomatic relations between theUnited States and Vietnam.

In his statement,the senator recognises the 20th anniversary of the normalisation of thecountries’ diplomatic relations as a historic milestone.

“It took immense courage on both sides to look beyond the scars ofthat war and envision a future in which our two countries could becomepartners and friends”, he said, adding that “Today, the American and theVietnamese people can be proud of the progress made to forge a lastingpeace and friendship”.

The statement calls therecent US visit by General Secretary of the Communist Party of VietnamNguyen Phu Trong as “historic”.

SheldonWhitehouse said he looks forward to working together to achieve closerties. As the US and Vietnam continue to deepen their relationship, theyshould continue to address the legacies of the Vietnam War, particularlythe health effects and environmental contamination associated withAgent Orange and other herbicides.

He alsoexpressed gratitude for Senator Patrick Leahy's leadership on theAppropriations Committee, which has enabled the United States to pursueremediation projects to clean up the dioxin contamination at Da NangInternational Airport and other hot spots and to support related healthand disability programmes.

He urged for continued support to these initiatives which strengthen our bilateral relationship.

The statement also highlights the major role of Senator John McCainand Secretary of State John Kerry in establishing diplomatic relationsbetween the US and Vietnam.-VNA