Addressing the event, Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee Nguyen Van Duoc described the normalisation of the Viet Nam - US relations and the establishment of diplomatic ties on July 12, 1995, as a turning point that laid the foundation and momentum for cooperation across politics, security, economy, culture, education and people-to-people exchanges.
Over the past three decades, the Viet Nam – US relations have advanced significantly, with major milestones including the establishment of a Comprehensive Partnership in 2013 and the elevation to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for Peace, Cooperation and Sustainable Development in September 2023.
Duoc noted that the development of the bilateral relations has been reflected in growing ties between Ho Chi Minh City and US localities, contributing to mutual growth. The city has pioneered new cooperation models such as the establishment of the American Chamber of Commerce in Viet Nam (AmCham Viet Nam) and the Fulbright Economics Teaching Programme, the precursor of Fulbright University Viet Nam.
He affirmed that, building on the foundation of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and 30 years of local cooperation, Ho Chi Minh City will continue to work closely with the US Consulate General and American businesses and investors to usher in another three decades of dynamic relations. Priority areas include science and technology, innovation, digital transformation, and high-quality human resource training.
US Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City Melissa Brown expressed pride in joining the celebration, describing the anniversary as a moment to reflect on past achievements and look ahead to future opportunities.
From former adversaries to Comprehensive Strategic Partners, the US and Viet Nam have built a relationship grounded on mutual trust, economic prosperity, and strategic cooperation, she said.
Brown highlighted trade growth, deepening defence ties, and humanitarian efforts such as dioxin remediation and unexploded ordnance clearance as examples of reconciliation and healing. She emphasised the private sector’s role in driving cooperation, from supply chains and energy to semiconductors and artificial intelligence, noting that bilateral collaboration has become a source of stability amid global challenges.
The diplomat emphasised education and people-to-people ties as the heart of the relationship, noting that hundreds of thousands of students have participated in educational exchanges, thereby strengthening mutual understanding and friendship.
The 30th anniversary of Viet Nam-US relations not only honours the two countries' achievements but also calls for action for future cooperation, Brown stressed, adding that the two countries will continue to work together toward shared prosperity.
