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Opening ceremony of the Pacific Partnership - Pacific Friendship 2026 (PP-PF 26) program. (Photo: People's Army Newspaper)

The opening ceremony was attended by Acting US Secretary of the Navy Hung Cao, representatives of Vietnam’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Military Region 4, leaders of Quang Tri Province, and numerous domestic and international delegates.

PP-PF 26 marks the first time that the Pacific Partnership (PP) and Pacific Friendship (PF) programs have been held under a unified framework in Vietnam. Approximately 300 US military personnel, specialists, and international partners are participating in the program, jointly carrying out a wide range of humanitarian assistance activities, enhancing disaster response capabilities, and promoting people-to-people exchanges.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Hoang Nam, Permanent Vice Chairman of the Quang Tri Provincial People’s Committee, noted that 2026 marks the 31st anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and the US. From initial efforts to address the consequences of war and provide humanitarian assistance, the two countries have built a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership founded on trust, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to peace and prosperity.

According to Hoang Nam, PP-PF 26 serves as a vivid testament to the spirit of solidarity and international cooperation. Activities in healthcare, education, disaster response, and community development not only bring practical benefits to local people but also foster human connections, enhance mutual understanding, and strengthen friendship among nations.

Hoang Nam, Permanent Vice Chairman of the Quang Tri Provincial People’s Committee. (Photo: VNA)

Provincial leaders emphasized that being selected once again to host the program is a great honor for Quang Tri and reflects the confidence placed in the province by the Vietnamese Government, the US Government, and international partners.

“Quang Tri is a land that endured tremendous losses during the war, but it is also a place where the aspiration for peace has always been preserved and spread. From a locality associated with painful memories of the past, Quang Tri today is emerging as a destination of peace, friendship, cooperation, and development,” Hoang Nam said.

He also highly appreciated the effective cooperation programs between the United States and Quang Tri in recent years, particularly in addressing the legacy of unexploded ordnance, supporting Agent Orange victims, searching for missing persons, healthcare, education, and community development. These activities have delivered tangible benefits to local residents while helping build trust and friendship between the peoples of the two countries.

According to the organizing committee, PP-PF 26 comprises 25 activities across four main areas: humanitarian assistance and disaster preparedness, community healthcare, construction and renovation of public infrastructure, and community engagement.

Throughout the program, Vietnamese and US experts will jointly conduct professional exchanges on disaster response, epidemic prevention and control, explosive ordnance disposal, veterinary services, infrastructure development, the application of technology in search and rescue operations, and various cultural exchange activities.

Approximately 300 US military personnel and specialists are participating in the program, including experts in healthcare, military engineering, bomb and mine disposal, incident command and control systems, and the use of unmanned aerial vehicles for search and rescue missions.

Acting US Secretary of the Navy Hung Cao. (Photo: VNA)

In his remarks at the ceremony, Acting US Secretary of the Navy Hung Cao stated that the greatest value of the program lies not in the number of completed projects or people assisted, but in the relationships built, the knowledge shared, and the trust established among partners.

He recalled the lessons learned from the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami, one of the most devastating natural disasters in modern history. According to him, experience from that catastrophe demonstrated that the most effective response always begins long before a disaster occurs, through capacity building, strengthened coordination, and preparedness.

The Acting US Secretary of the Navy stressed that readiness is measured not only by ships, aircraft, or technical systems, but is also built upon cooperation and trust among nations, institutions, and communities.

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