Ambassador Marc Knapper: 2025 Marks Meaningful Milestones in Vietnam-US Relations

	Vietnam-US Friendship Festival: Enhancing Mutual Understanding and Strengthening Trust Between Peoples of Two Countries
	Vietnam - US Friendship On Vibrant Display In The Heart Of Hanoi

On December 30, in the latest video released by the US Embassy in Vietnam, Ambassador Marc Knapper emphasized that this was a special year marking 30 years of the establishment of Vietnam-US diplomatic relations, with numerous activities and outcomes demonstrating the depth and vitality of the bilateral partnership.

“This year has been filled with meaningful moments that reflect the strength and growth of our bilateral partnership,” Ambassador Marc Knapper affirmed.

US Ambassador to Vietnam Marc Knapper. (Photo: Dinh Hoa)

In the field of education, Vietnam welcomed the largest-ever delegation of representatives from US universities to visit the country, aimed at strengthening academic exchange and cooperation. The Ambassador noted that Vietnam currently ranks fifth in terms of the number of international students in the US, with approximately 36,000 Vietnamese students enrolled. In addition, the US Embassy in Vietnam organized the largest gathering of Vietnamese alumni to date, bringing together multiple generations of leaders, scholars, and experts who have participated in exchange programs funded by the US Government.

In the cultural sphere, Ambassador Marc Knapper highlighted a series of activities that brought the stories of the two countries to the public. These included four Friendship Festivals held across Vietnam and a special collaboration with Vietnamese rapper Suboi to release a music video titled “Never Before,” celebrating the bond between the peoples of the two nations.

The Vietnam-US Friendship Exchange Program held on November 23, 2025, at Cau Giay Park (Hanoi) drew large crowds of local residents and international friends to experience the culture, cuisine, and products of both countries. (Photo: Dinh Hoa)

The United States also published a special report entitled “Vietnam Matters to America, America Matters to Vietnam,” which uses data and statistics to illustrate the depth of the cooperative relationship. The US Embassy in Vietnam further coordinated with National Archives Center III to organize a historical exhibition reviewing 30 years of bilateral relations.

Defense and security cooperation continued to be a bright spot in Vietnam-US relations, marked by the completion of the transfer of 12 T-6C training aircraft to the Vietnam Air Force, the provision of a third patrol vessel to the Vietnam Coast Guard, the visit to Hanoi by US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth (November 2025), and port visits to Da Nang by the USS Tripoli and USS Robert Smalls (December 2025).

The two sides also held two annual dialogues on security, defense, and law enforcement cooperation in Washington, expanded humanitarian assistance cooperation, under which the US provided Vietnam with USD 1.75 million to help address the impacts of storms and floods in northern and central regions in recent months, and launched the “Pacific Friends” program for the first time between the US Army Pacific and Quang Tri Province, focusing on enhancing medical readiness and disaster response capabilities.

The USS Robert Smalls and USS Tripoli, carrying nearly 2,300 U.S. sailors and Marines, docked at Da Nang Port on December 8, 2025. (Photo: US Embassy in Vietnam)

Regarding war legacy remediation, Ambassador Marc Knapper noted that the two sides inaugurated an explosive ordnance disposal training range at the Vietnam National Mine Action Center in Ba Vi and continued to make progress in addressing dioxin contamination at Bien Hoa Airport, while maintaining cooperation in the program to account for missing service members.

Economic relations continued to deepen over the year. Bilateral trade exceeded USD 150 billion in 2024; the US remained Vietnam’s leading export market and its second-largest trading partner. More than 100 Vietnamese enterprises participated in the 11th SelectUSA Investment Summit. Vietnam is currently the world’s 10th-largest importer of US agricultural products.

The US and Vietnam are also working closely in digital technology, with programs of the US Government and US companies such as Meta, Google, NVIDIA, Qualcomm, and AWS partnering with Vietnamese ministries, universities, and startups to expand AI infrastructure, train talent, and accelerate the national digital transformation, contributing to a stronger and more prosperous relationship.

“Looking ahead to the coming year, let us remain committed to deepening our partnership and continuing to work together for a safer, more secure, and more prosperous future for both nations and the Indo-Pacific region. I wish you a safe, joyful, and inspiring New Year,” Ambassador Marc Knapper expressed.

Vietnam-US Friendship Festival: Enhancing Mutual Understanding and Strengthening Trust Between Peoples of Two Countries On November 23 in Hanoi, the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations, the US Mission to Vietnam, and the Hanoi People’s Committee jointly organized the ...

Vietnam - US Friendship On Vibrant Display In The Heart Of Hanoi On November 23, thousands of people flocked to Cau Giay Park in Hanoi to take part in cultural and sports activities and visit exhibition spaces ...