Three Decades of Vietnam-US Relations: Reflecting on the Past, Connecting the Present, Shaping the Future
	Ambassador Marc Knapper Highlights Vietnam’s Active Role in Strengthening Bilateral Relations

The Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology (VAST), in coordination with the U.S. Embassy in Vietnam, the International Commission on Missing Persons (ICMP), and the Vietnam Office for Seeking Missing Persons (VNOSMP), recently held a ceremony to hand over equipment, chemicals, and DNA testing procedures aimed at identifying the remains of unknown martyrs in Vietnam.

According to VAST, this activity falls under the framework of the non-refundable ODA project titled “Strengthening Capacity for War Remains Identification through Development Cooperation, Technology Transfer, and Provision of Equipment, Chemicals, and Consumables”, funded by the US Government. US Ambassador to Vietnam Marc Knapper and Professor Dr. Chu Hoang Ha, Vice President of VAST, co-chaired the ceremony.

Leaders from the Institute of Biotechnology (VAST) and the International Commission on Missing Persons (ICMP) exchange the handover record of the project's equipment. (Photo: VAST)

Speaking at the event, Prof. Dr. Chu Hoang Ha shared that after nearly two years of implementation, scientists from the Institute of Biotechnology under VAST, in collaboration with international experts from ICMP, have successfully developed and optimized DNA analysis technology based on next-generation sequencing (NGS) and SNP markers. This method is tailored to Vietnam’s specific conditions, where remains have severely degraded after decades in tropical environments.

According to Dr. Ha, the results represent a major step forward: the successful DNA extraction rate from remains samples has increased from 22% to 70%. The new technology allows kinship matching up to four to five generations, a capability never achieved before. This marks the first time Vietnam has demonstrated the feasibility of applying advanced genetic sequencing technologies to the large-scale identification of martyrs’ remains.

The equipment received through this project provides a vital technical foundation, enhancing analytical capabilities, enabling mastery of cutting-edge technology, and addressing the unique challenges of working with severely degraded remains.

Dr. Ha also noted that as of July 1, 2025, the remaining components of the project will be overseen and implemented directly by the US Department of State, specifically through the Political Section of the US Embassy in Vietnam. This transition reaffirms the US's long-term commitment to humanitarian programs in Vietnam and paves the way for deeper coordination between technical agencies and experts from both countries.

US Ambassador to Vietnam Marc Knapper emphasized that the event stands as a tangible testament to what the Vietnam-US partnership can accomplish. As the two countries mark the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations and look toward the future under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, scientific and technological collaboration plays a vital role in joint efforts to address war legacies. He expressed hope that all parties would continue close cooperation to expand the project and achieve further meaningful outcomes.

This ceremony represents a significant milestone in humanitarian cooperation and war legacy remediation. It also reflects the shared commitment of the governments of Vietnam and the US to build a future founded on science, technology, and humanitarian values.

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