People-to-People Diplomacy Contributes to Deepening Vietnam-US Relations

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On the morning of July 15, the Ho Chi Minh City Union of Friendship Organizations held a gathering to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Independence Day of the US (July 4, 1776 - July 4, 2026), demonstrating the solidarity and friendship between the people of Ho Chi Minh City and the people of the US.

At the ceremony. (Photo: Xuan Khu/VNA)

Speaking at the event, Nguyen Van Tho, Standing Vice Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People's Council and President of the Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam-US Friendship Association, said that Vietnam-US relations have undergone a remarkable journey, sharing a history of war before building a shared history of peace.

The two countries have established a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership based on respect for each other's independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and political systems. They have chosen to look toward the future, put the past behind them, build on common ground, and properly address differences for the benefit of the peoples of both countries.

Within this broader framework of cooperation, Ho Chi Minh City has consistently been among the leading localities in promoting Vietnam-US relations.

In April 1995, Ho Chi Minh City and San Francisco established a friendship and cooperation relationship - a symbolic milestone reflecting the spirit of people-to-people diplomacy by connecting people with people, transforming goodwill into trust and trust into enduring cooperation.

Since then, bilateral cooperation has continued to expand. Following the city's administrative boundary expansion, Ho Chi Minh City is expected to create greater opportunities for more substantive and sustainable cooperation programs with US partners.

Contributing to these efforts, the Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam-US Friendship Association has consistently promoted people-to-people and cultural exchanges through a wide range of meaningful activities. Together with the city's diverse external relations initiatives, these simple yet practical people-to-people diplomacy activities have enabled the peoples of the two countries to gain a deeper understanding of each other's culture, customs, and daily life, thereby fostering trust, enhancing mutual understanding, and strengthening the friendship between the Vietnamese and American peoples.

At the ceremony, Melissa A. Brown, US Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City, said that the US Mission in Vietnam has been working to strengthen bilateral relations by connecting families, students, and visitors; enhancing cooperation in public health; combating transnational crime to ensure the safety of citizens in both countries; and expanding collaboration in trade and agriculture to support economic growth and prosperity in both nations.

According to her, the strongest foundation of US-Vietnam relations has always been the friendship between the two countries' peoples.

Over the years, the Ho Chi Minh City Union of Friendship Organizations has helped connect the American and Vietnamese peoples through cultural exchanges, educational programs, community activities, and personal connections, contributing to deeper mutual understanding and respect.

Melissa A. Brown noted that after 31 years of diplomatic relations, the US-Vietnam relationship has evolved into a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, with priorities in trade and investment, education, science and technology, healthcare, security, and people-to-people diplomacy.

Most importantly, both countries are focused on the opportunities ahead. By working together, they will continue to expand educational exchange programs, deepen trade relations, encourage innovation, and further strengthen the bonds of friendship between the peoples of the US and Vietnam.

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