US representatives will attend Vietnam's national reunification anniversary: foreign ministry

High-ranking delegations, including leaders, representatives and international friends, including the U.S., have confirmed their participation in Vietnam's 50th anniversary of national reunification, spokeswoman of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Pham Thu Hang said in a press meet on Thursday.

Upon an inquiry about an article on the New York Times published on April 22, which cited four officials saying the U.S. government has "told its senior diplomats in Vietnam not to take part in events marking the 50th anniversary" of the end of the Vietnam War, Hang said she "has not received further verification with regard to the information provided in the article by the New York Times.

"The victory of April 30 is the victory of human conscience and righteousness, one that put an end to the losses and suffering for not only the people of Vietnam but also to countless American families," Hang said.

"Over the past years, we have witnessed the efforts from generations of people from both countries, for the two countries to develop the relations as they stand today," she said.

Vietnam's 50th anniversary of national reunification is a chance to celebrate timeless values of compassion, peace and reconciliation, of putting the past behind to head towards the future, she added.

"From adversaries, Vietnam and the U.S. have normalized and established diplomatic relations in 1995, established a comprehensive partnership in 2013, and most recently elevated to a comprehensive strategic partnership for peace, cooperation and sustainable development."

Upon an inquiry about Vietnam inviting the armies of Laos, China and Cambodia to the parade of the 50th anniversary of Vietnam's national reunification, Hang said the event is very important, not just for Vietnam, but also for international friends who have supported and accompanied Vietnam during its fight for independence. Among them, Laos, China and Cambodia are three neighbor countries with longstanding, traditional and friendly relations with Vietnam.

"We are much delighted for the participation of military officials from Laos, China and Cambodia during this anniversary, representing the solidarity, friendship and cooperation between Vietnam and other countries," Hang said.

The 50th anniversary of Vietnam's national reunification will include events like parades and fireworks shows.