(VOVworld) - There is ample scope for Vietnam and the US to lift their relations to a higher level in the future, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh remarked at a ceremony to celebrate the 239^th anniversary of the US’s Independence Day and the 20^th anniversary of the normalization of Vietnam-US diplomatic ties. Deputy PM Minh expressed his joy at the significant progress made in bilateral relations in all fields that benefit the two countries and contribute to the maintenance of peace, stability, cooperation, and development in the region. US Ambassador to Vietnam Ted Osius welcomed former US President Bill Clinton to the event, praising the role played by the former President in turning over a new leaf in the Vietnam-US relations 20 years ago. He said he hoped the bilateral relations will continue to strengthen. At the ceremony held by the US Embassy in Hanoi, Mr. Clinton hailed the ties between the US and Vietnam over the course of two decades, highlighting their remarkable cooperation results in education, economy and trade. He expressed his hope for the Vietnam-US comprehensive partnership to continue to flourish.