Thomas Eugene Wilber: A Journey to Heal Vietnam - US Relations Through His Father’s Keepsakes
	Can Tho Prepares to Host Vietnam - US Friendship Festival 2025

This meaningful event contributed to advancing the Vietnam - US Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for peace, cooperation, and sustainable development. It not only reflected the friendship between the peoples of the two countries but also opened up opportunities for connection, mutual understanding, and collaboration among localities, organizations, businesses, and young generations on both sides.

Diverse exhibition space

One of the program’s highlights was the exhibition area featuring nearly 20 booths, which attracted great public interest, especially from young people. The booths were creatively designed and centered around themes such as: 30 years of Vietnam - US relations; people-to-people diplomacy; activities of the US Diplomatic Mission in Vietnam; American businesses and NGOs operating in Vietnam; cooperation in culture, tourism, education and training, science and technology; war reconciliation and remediation efforts; as well as showcasing signature products and distinctive cultural and culinary traditions of both Vietnam and the US.

The beautiful space of the "Colour Vietnam" festival. (Photo: Thanh That)

Not merely a showcase, the exhibition also served as a “cultural bridge” - a place where participants could explore the depth of bilateral relations across various fields while directly engaging with representatives of organizations, businesses, and educational institutions from both countries. It was also an opportunity for students in Can Tho to access information about studying abroad, technology, and community initiatives that the US is implementing in Vietnam.

Cultural exchange connecting the young generations of both nations

In addition to the exhibition, the program featured various cultural performances and traditional folk games showcasing the distinctive identities of both Vietnam and the US. These activities not only created a vibrant and joyful atmosphere but also played an important role in bringing young people closer together, the key force in carrying forward and strengthening the friendship between the two countries.

Young people visit the exhibition booth of the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations. (Photo: Thanh That)

The inclusion of both traditional folk games and contemporary games from the two cultures in the same space not only offered participants an engaging hands-on experience, but also fostered interaction, closeness, and mutual understanding - core elements of people-to-people diplomacy.

Spreading the spirit of friendship, expanding future connections

According to the organizers, the 2025 Vietnam - US Friendship Exchange in Can Tho is not only an occasion to look back on 30 years of bilateral relations, but also a vivid testament to the strong growth of people-to-people cooperation - a sustainable and promising channel of diplomacy.

Can Tho's typical products are displayed at the exhibition space. (Photo: Thanh That)

This event also helps showcase the image of Can Tho as a dynamic, open, and globally integrated city, especially at a time when it is expanding its administrative boundaries and intensifying efforts to attract foreign investment.

The impressive US Science and Technology booth attracts visitors. (Photo: Ha Vy)

The choice of Can Tho - the heart of the Mekong Delta - as the venue for such an international event reflects the special attention of both sides to the comprehensive development of the southwestern region of Vietnam, as well as their shared aspiration to foster local-to-local connections within the framework of the Vietnam - US Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

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