Consul General in Houston Le Dung reviewed major landmarks in Vietnam-US relations since the two countries normalised their relations in 1995. After 15 years, the US has become Vietnam’s biggest export market and biggest investor, Mr Dung said.

The number of Vietnamese students in the US has increased sharply, from 800 in 1995 to 1,300 today. Many universities from both countries have carried out numerous training cooperation projects.

Vietnam’s opening of its Consulate General in Houston in 2009 presented a great landmark in the development of relations between the two countries, helping to promote and expand bilateral cooperation in economics, education, science, technology, culture and tourism.

Earlier on July 14, the anniversary was also celebrated by the Vietnam Embassy in the US and the US Department of State in the presence of former US President Bill Clinton, snators John Kerry and John McCain and congressman Eni Faleomavagea along with many senior US officials.