The United States and Vietnam will sign an agreement Saturday that paves the way toward diplomatic relations.

The two former enemies will open liaison offices in one another’s capitals almost immediately after the signing, a U.S. official told the Associated Press Thursday.

The last U.S. diplomatic office in Hanoi, a consulate, closed its doors in 1955. The United States withdrew after refusing to recognize the Communist government that replaced the French colonial regime in 1954.

President Clinton lifted the 19-year U.S. economic embargo against Vietnam on Feb. 3, 1994.

The agreement represents de facto diplomatic recognition, and the United States will take possession of a building to house its liaison office after it is signed, the U.S. official in Hanoi said on condition of anonymity.