U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has just congratulated the Vietnamese government and people on Vietnam’s National Day (September 2), hailing the two nations’ shared achievements in a variety of fields.

“On behalf of the United States of America, I offer my best wishes and congratulations to the people of Vietnam on your National Day on September 2,” Blinken, who visited the Southeast Asian country in 2015 and 2016 as the Deputy Secretary of State, said in a press statement posted on the U.S. Department of State’s website on Friday.

“The United States and Vietnam have achieved so much together to advance our shared priorities on regional security, prosperity, combating climate change, addressing global health challenges, and strengthening people-to-people ties,” the statement said.

“Our friendship is grounded in our support for a strong, prosperous, and independent Vietnam and our enduring commitment to addressing war legacies and humanitarian issues.

“I look forward to continuing to work together with the Government and people of Vietnam to bring prosperity, peace, and stability to both of our nations and the Indo-Pacific region.”

Vietnam and the U.S. restored diplomatic ties on July 11, 1995 after a 20-year halt.

On September 2, 1945, President Ho Chi Minh read a declaration of independence at Ba Dinh Square in Hanoi, giving birth to the Democratic Republic of Vietnam.

That date was chosen as Vietnam’s National Day.

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