The US Ambassador to Vietnam, Michael Michalak, hosted a reception in Hanoi on July 2 to celebrate the 233rd anniversary of his country’s Independence Day (July 4).

Vietnamese Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Cao Duc Phat and representatives from diplomatic corps, international organisations and relevant ministries and agencies attended the event.

Ambassador Michalak and Minister Phat highlighted recent milestones in their bilateral relationship and expressed their hope that US-Vietnam relations would continue to flourish under the direction of a constructive partnership and friendship on the basis of equality and mutual respect, for the benefit of the two countries’ peoples and for peace, stability and development in Southeast Asia and the world as a whole.

On behalf of the Vietnamese Government and people, Minister Phat extended his best wishes on the day to the US Government and people, as well as to the ambassador and his wife. (VNA)