US Deputy Secretary of State Allison Hooker speaks. (Photo: Embassy of Viet Nam in the United States)

On September 16, US Deputy Secretary of State for Political Affairs Allison Hooker described Viet Nam as an important partner of the US in Southeast Asia.

According to VNA correspondent in Washington, speaking at a ceremony marking the 81st anniversary of Viet Nam’s National Day (September 2, 1945-September 2, 2026), hosted by the Vietnamese Embassy on the evening of September 16 local time at Vietnam House in Washington, D.C., Hooker emphasized that Viet Nam-US relations are a testament to efforts to reconcile, put the past behind them, and work together toward a future of peace, security and prosperity for the peoples of both countries.

Deputy Secretary Hooker said the US and Viet Nam continue to cooperate in a number of important areas, including addressing the consequences of war, clearing bombs, mines and unexploded ordnance left over from the war, security cooperation, economic development, education, cultural exchanges and people-to-people exchanges.

She also noted the growing cooperation between the two countries in technology, investment and aerospace, and spoke highly of the contributions made by Vietnamese Ambassador to the US Nguyen Quoc Dung to advancing bilateral relations, particularly during the period when the two countries elevated their ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

Speaking at the event, Ambassador Nguyen Quoc Dung highlighted the historical significance of September 2, Viet Nam’s National Day, and the 81-year journey of safeguarding national independence and sovereignty while building and developing the country.

From a country that once suffered the severe consequences of war and poverty, Viet Nam has risen to become the world’s 32nd-largest economy, with GDP exceeding US$500 billion. The country is now confidently entering a new phase of development and modernization, with the goal of becoming an upper-middle-income country by 2030 and a developed, high-income country by 2045.

Vietnamese Ambassador to the United States Nguyen Quoc Dung delivers opening remarks. (Photo: Embassy of Viet Nam in the United States)

Ambassador Nguyen Quoc Dung emphasized that the 31 years since the normalization of relations have been a remarkable journey, during which the two former adversaries have overcome differences, healed the wounds of the past, built trust and developed a partnership based on shared interests.

The Viet Nam-US Comprehensive Strategic Partnership continues to make substantive progress across all 10 pillars, with cooperation in the areas of economics, trade, investment, addressing the consequences of war, education, culture, people-to-people exchanges and advanced technology continuing to expand.

The Ambassador affirmed that the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership is a valuable asset built through the efforts of generations of leaders and people of both countries. He said it should continue to be preserved and strengthened with a long-term vision, serve the interests of the peoples of both countries, and contribute to peace, stability and development in the region.

The Ambassador affirmed that Viet Nam will continue to play an active role as a member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and a responsible partner of the international community, contributing to peace, stability, cooperation and development in the region and around the world. At the same time, Viet Nam looks forward to welcoming leaders of the economies participating in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum to Phu Quoc during APEC Year 2027.

For his part, Senator Steve Daines spoke highly of the strong development of Viet Nam-US relations over more than three decades.

Sharing his impressions from his visit to Viet Nam in 2025, Senator Daines highlighted the enormous potential for cooperation between the two countries, particularly in trade, investment, technology and artificial intelligence (AI). He expressed confidence in Viet Nam’s future development and prosperity and affirmed his commitment to continuing to promote friendship and cooperation between the two countries.

Representative Seth Moulton expressed deep affection for Viet Nam and its people following multiple visits to the country. As a former US serviceman, he spoke highly of the resilience, spirit of reconciliation and generosity of the Vietnamese people in overcoming the legacy of the war and building friendly relations with the US.

Representative Moulton acknowledged the role of veterans and US congressional leaders, including Senators John McCain and John Kerry, in the process of healing and developing relations between the two countries.

Representative Seth Moulton expresses deep affection for Viet Nam and its people. (Photo: Ngoc Quang/VNA)

Representative Moulton affirmed that Viet Nam and the US are now friends and partners, working together to build a more secure and prosperous future through trade, educational exchanges, cultural exchanges and efforts to maintain a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

Representative Abraham Hamadeh congratulated Viet Nam on its 81st National Day and spoke highly of the rapid development of Viet Nam-US relations, particularly in the areas of economics, trade, diplomacy, culture and people-to-people exchanges.

He noted the connections between Viet Nam and the state of Arizona, including cooperation between Arizona State University and VinUniversity, and expressed his desire to continue promoting cooperation among localities, educational institutions and the peoples of the two countries.

On the occasion, Representative Abraham Hamadeh presented Ambassador Nguyen Quoc Dung with a statement entered into the US House of Representatives’ Congressional Record to mark the 81st anniversary of Viet Nam’s National Day and the conclusion of the Ambassador’s tenure in the US.

The statement recognized Ambassador Nguyen Quoc Dung’s contributions to strengthening Viet Nam-US relations, expanding connections among government agencies, legislatures, academics and businesses of the two countries, as well as promoting cooperation in addressing the consequences of war, thereby contributing to deepening the Viet Nam-US Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

Ambassador Nguyen Quoc Dung expressed his sincere thanks to US government agencies and Congress, the diplomatic corps, international friends, particularly ASEAN ambassadors and friends, the Vietnamese community in the US, and the Embassy’s officials, staff and their families for accompanying and supporting Viet Nam, contributing to strengthening the friendship and cooperative relations between Viet Nam and the US.

The ceremony took place in a solemn, friendly and warm atmosphere, reflecting the interest and affection of American and international friends and the Vietnamese community in the US for Viet Nam, while affirming confidence in the positive and sustainable development of the Viet Nam-US Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

Vietnamese Professionals and Students Association in the United States Launches VPS 2.0 On June 2, the Vietnamese Professionals and Students Association in the United States (VPS) officially launched VPS 2.0, marking a new strategic phase in its journey to connect the Vietnamese professional and student community in the United States with Vietnam.

Vietnam-USA Society Expands Partner Network, Promotes Bilateral Cooperation On July 7 in Hanoi, the Vietnam-USA Society (the Society) held its conference to review its work during the first six months of 2026 and outline priorities for the remaining six months of the year. The Society identified expanding its network of partners in the United States, strengthening people-to-people diplomacy, and promoting practical cooperation between the two countries as key priorities. Vice President of the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations (VUFO) Dong Huy Cuong attended the conference and delivered a keynote address.