Three Decades of Vietnam-US Relations: Reflecting on the Past, Connecting the Present, Shaping the Future

	Vietnam-US Friendship Exchange Spreads Reconciliation and Development Spirit
	30 years of Vietnam-US relations: From Reconciliation to Comprehensive Strategic Partnership

The seminar provided an opportunity to look back on the major milestones in Vietnam-US relations and the evolution of bilateral cooperation in various fields such as politics, economics, science and technology, education, and culture. The event also created an academic platform for scholars and diplomats, many of whom have directly contributed to the development of bilateral ties, to share insights and experiences.

Attending the seminar were Associate Professor Dr. Vu Hung Cuong, Director of the Institute of Social Sciences Information; Pham Quang Vinh, former Vietnamese Ambassador to the US and President of the Vietnam-US Society; Nguyen Dinh Luong, former Chief Negotiator of the Vietnam-US Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA), along with other experts, scholars, and diplomatic officials.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Vu Hung Cuong delivers the opening remarks at the seminar. (Photo: Thanh Thao)

In his opening remarks, Associate Professor Dr. Vu Hung Cuong said: “Vietnam-US relations serve as a historical model for post-war reconciliation and relationship-building, shifting from adversaries during wartime to bilateral cooperation for the mutual benefit of both countries in an era of peace and international collaboration.”

The establishment of diplomatic relations laid a solid foundation for broadening comprehensive cooperation across multiple fields. Notably, the upgrade to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for peace, cooperation, and sustainable development has created fresh momentum, with cooperative programs actively being implemented across all ten pillars of the partnership framework.

At the seminar, Nguyen Dinh Luong, former Chief Negotiator of the Vietnam-US Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA), shared his experiences in preparing for and conducting negotiations. He emphasized that in the context of the late 1990s, when Vietnam was just beginning its reform and international economic integration process, understanding the American partner in terms of legal systems, cultural norms, and negotiation mindset was a prerequisite for achieving meaningful progress in the talks.

Speakers engage in discussions at the seminar. (Photo: Thanh Thao)

With a proactive research spirit and strong determination, the Vietnamese negotiation team gradually overcame obstacles and built consensus with the US side. As a result, the BTA was signed in 2000, marking a historic breakthrough and ushering in a new phase of trade cooperation between the two countries, laying the groundwork for increasingly deep and effective bilateral relations.

Speaking at the event, Pham Quang Vinh noted that Vietnam-US cooperation is opening up new opportunities, particularly in the fields of science and technology. Potential areas include semiconductor manufacturing, data centers, and digital technologies.

According to him, for Vietnam to effectively participate in global supply chains led by major technology corporations, the country must focus on infrastructure development, improve its legal framework, and enhance workforce quality. Additionally, maintaining and strengthening mutual trust and understanding between the two countries is crucial for building a sustainable partnership.

Delegates participate in the discussion session. (Photo: Thanh Thao)

Participants at the seminar also underscored the vital role of scholarly documents and publications in researching, preserving, and reflecting on the development of Vietnam-US relations over the past 30 years. Several proposals were put forward, including: continuing to collect, translate, and publish materials related to bilateral relations; conducting research on US foreign policy; and undertaking comprehensive evaluations of cooperation outcomes in key areas. These efforts aim to strengthen the database and help guide the future development of bilateral relations in the next phase.

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