In his opening remarks, Vice President of the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organisations (VUFO) Dong Huy Cuong stressed that Viet Nam–US relations are among the most distinctive diplomatic ties-marked by deep historical entanglements, many ups and downs, and considerable challenges—yet they have become a model of reconciliation between nations.
He recalled that, following the joint announcement of normalisation and the establishment of diplomatic ties onJuly 12, 1995 by US President Bill Clinton and Vietnamese Prime Minister Vo Van Kiet, the two countries have made extraordinary and tireless efforts. Guided by the goodwill to “put the past behind us, overcome differences, promote commonalities, and look towards the future”, Viet Nam–US relations have witnessed remarkable and impressive progress across all fields, becoming a “Comprehensive Partnership” in July 2013 and, on September 10, 2023, a “Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for peace, cooperation, and sustainable development”.
According to Vice President Dong Huy Cuong, the Vietnamese people have always cherished and held close to their hearts the goodwill and invaluable support of their American friends — including veterans and their families, charities, humanitarian organisations, and non-governmental organisations (NGOs). With goodwill and trust, these individuals and groups have shown empathy and understanding, and have been courageous enough to rise above themselves, to set aside past hostilities, and to work towards a future of friendship and cooperation. Their contributions have been essential to healing the wounds of war and supporting Viet Nam’s socio-economic development, integration, and progress.
VUFO and its member organisations — including the Viet Nam–US Association at both central and local levels — take pride in being an important part of the reconciliation process, helping address the legacies of war and promoting Viet Nam–US relations in general, and people-to-people ties in particular.
VUFO and the Viet Nam–US Association have worked closely with US partners to organise numerous friendship exchange activities, contributing to strengthening trust, narrowing differences, bringing people closer together, and helping the friendship between the two nations become a solid foundation for Viet Nam–US relations.
Highlighting the significance of the friendship exchange programme, US Ambassador Marc E. Knapper said the event is a testament to the growth, dynamism, and partnership between the US and Viet Nam.
Ambassador Knapper said that the event honours the courage of individuals in both countries who overcame what remained after the war, rebuilt trust and mutual understanding, and drove the progress that has elevated our bilateral relationship to where it stands today.
The Vietnam–US Friendship Exchange also serves as an inspiration to younger generations — those who will carry this relationship forward into the next three decades.
