Strengthening Vietnam-US Relations through the Friendship Festival in Can Tho

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The event was attended by leaders of the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations; officials from the Party Committee, the People’s Committee, and the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee of Can Tho City; representatives of the US Embassy and the US Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City; heads of provincial departments and agencies; leaders of the Can Tho Union of Friendship Organizations and friendship associations from several provinces and cities; the Vietnam-US Society; research institutes and universities; Vietnamese and US businesses; non-governmental organizations; US friends and partners in Vietnam; scholars, intellectuals, and individuals with ties to the US; together with a large number of students and local residents.

Delegates of the event. (Photo: Thanh That)

The program opened with captivating artistic performances from both countries that highlighted the cultural identities of Vietnam and the US. Performances such as "Mot vong Viet Nam", "Ao ba ba", "Rock hat gao", and "Xin chao Viet Nam", together with a joint performance by Vietnamese artists and the US band Tony Memmel, resonated with the audience and created a warm, emotional atmosphere.

The program opened with captivating artistic performances from both countries that highlighted the cultural identities of Vietnam and the US. (Photo: Thanh That)

Earlier in the day, the park hosted a range of vibrant activities, including music and sports exchanges, traditional folk games, cultural and culinary booths, an exhibition of achievements in Vietnam-US relations, and presentations about Can Tho City and related organizations. These activities not only promoted the image of Vietnam and its people but also deepened mutual understanding and strengthened bonds between the peoples of both countries.

Vice President of the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations Dong Huy Cuong. (Photo: Thanh That)

In his opening remarks, Dong Huy Cuong, Vice President of the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations, emphasized that Vietnam-US relations represent a global model grounded in the spirit of “putting aside the past, overcoming differences, promoting commonalities, and looking toward the future.”

He noted that in just 30 years former adversaries have become close partners, with ties elevated to a Comprehensive Partnership in 2013 and to a “Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for peace, cooperation, and sustainable development” in 2023. People-to-people exchanges, he added, serve as a sincere bridge that builds trust, heals the wounds of war, and advances comprehensive cooperation.

The Vice President affirmed that the Vietnam-US Friendship Festival in Can Tho exemplifies the solid foundation of people-to-people relations - an indispensable pillar of the Vietnam-US relationship, and described it as a “solid base, sincere bridge, and strong driving force” to deepen and make bilateral ties more substantive.

US Ambassador to Vietnam Marc Knapper. (Photo: Thanh That)

On behalf of local authorities, Nguyen Thi Ngoc Diep, Vice Chairwoman of the People’s Committee of Can Tho City, reported that in the first six months of 2025, Can Tho’s exports to the US reached more than USD 228 million, concentrated in key products such as rice, seafood, processed agricultural goods, garments, and handicrafts. Can Tho currently hosts four US foreign direct investment projects and numerous non-governmental aid programs in areas including education, livelihood stabilization, new rural development, and climate change adaptation. Notably, Can Tho has established a cooperative relationship with Riverside City, California (US), focused on healthcare, agriculture, and education and training.

Truong Canh Tuyen, Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee of Can Tho City (left), and Ho Thi Cam Dao, Chairwoman of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee of Can Tho City (right), presented souvenirs to the US Ambassador and the US Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City. (Photo: Thanh That)

Leaders of Can Tho expressed confidence that, built on the strong foundation of the Vietnam-US Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and 30 years of local-level friendship and cooperation, the city will continue to work closely with the US Embassy, the US Consulate General, the American business community, and US investors to usher in a new, flourishing 30-year chapter of bilateral cooperation, particularly in strategic areas such as technology transfer for smart agriculture, clean energy, science and technology, innovation, digital transformation, and training a high-quality workforce.

A joint performance by Vietnamese artists and the US band Tony Memmel. (Photo: Thanh That)

On the US side, Ambassador Marc Knapper said he was honored to attend the meaningful event, noting that it provided a special occasion for both countries to reflect on the 30-year journey of developing diplomatic relations.

Delegates visited and took commemorative photos at the exhibition booth of the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations. (Photo: Thanh That)

Melissa A. Brown, US Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City, noted that events like this remind us that the partnership between the two nations goes beyond government-to-government cooperation: it is rooted in the bonds between the peoples of both countries as they work together to build a brighter future. She expressed confidence that the US-Vietnam partnership will continue to grow strongly in the years to come.

Delegates took commemorative photos. (Photo: Thanh That)

According to the organizers, the Vietnam-US Friendship Festival in Can Tho was not merely a cultural and artistic event but also an opportunity to promote connections in economics, education, and technology, laying the groundwork for many new cooperative initiatives in the future.

The program helped deepen the Vietnam-US Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and affirmed the important and enduring role of people-to-people exchanges as a “sincere bridge” toward a peaceful and prosperous future for both countries.

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