U.S. Secretary of State Michael Pompeo congratuled Vietnam on its National Day on Wednesday, hailing the transformation of the two countries’ relations as 'remarkable' and appreciating the Southeast Asian country’s coordination in COVID-19 response.

“On behalf of the Government of the United States of America, I send congratulations to the people of Vietnam as you celebrate your National Day,” Secretary Pompeo was quoted as saying in a press release on the U.S. Embassy in Hanoi.

Vietnam and the U.S. are celebrating 25 years of their diplomatic relations in 2020.

“The remarkable transformation of our relationship, across trade and investment, security cooperation, and people-to-people ties, is a testament to those who worked to overcome the past and build a better future for both our peoples,” the diplomat remarked.

Pompeo added that both sides had recently signed an agreement that will bring Peace Corps volunteers to Vietnam for the first time ever.

This is “a significant and symbolic milestone in this historic year for our two countries,” he said.

“We commend Vietnam for its successful Chairmanship of ASEAN in this challenging year, and we appreciate your close coordination in the fight against COVID-19,” he added.

“As we work together to build a more peaceful and prosperous Indo-Pacific region, I extend best wishes to the people of Vietnam.

Hanoi and Washington restored ties on July 11, 1995, when then-U.S. President Bill Clinton announced the formal normalization of diplomatic relations between the two sides after a two-decade halt.  

Over the course of COVID-19 pandemic, Vietnam has donated tons of face masks to the U.S. to help it fight the virus.

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