Vietnam-US Friendship Exchange Spreads Reconciliation and Development Spirit

On June 22, in Da Nang, the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations, the US Mission in Vietnam, and the Da Nang City People's Committee organized the Vietnam-US Friendship Exchange. As part of a series of events commemorating the 30th anniversary of Vietnam-US diplomatic relations, the event attracts around 3,000 delegates, residents, and tourists.

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June 23, 2025 | 15:02

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The event had the attendence of Phan Anh Son, President of the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations; Marc E. Knapper, US Ambassador to Vietnam; Ho Ky Minh, Permanent Vice Chairman of Da Nang City People's Committee; and leaders of departments, sectors, local Union of Friendship Organizations, research institutes, universities, Vietnamese and US enterprises, non-governmental organizations, American individuals and families in Da Nang, scholars, students and local residents.

The program features a rich array of activities, including cultural and sports exchanges, traditional folk games from both countries, and booths showcasing Vietnamese–US culture, cuisine, and achievements in bilateral relations. It also introduces Da Nang City, the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations, the Vietnam–US Society, the US Diplomatic Mission in Vietnam, as well as initiatives by non-governmental organizations and businesses from both sides. The program aims to celebrate the vibrant cultural ties and enduring friendship between the peoples of Vietnam and the United States, foster greater understanding among the younger generation, and enhance people-to-people exchanges between the two nations in the future.

Vietnam-US Friendship Exchange Spreads Reconciliation and Development Spirit

Phan Anh Son, President of the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations, speaks at the program. (Photo: VOV)

In his opening remark, President of the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations Phan Anh Son stressed that over the past three decades, since the historic July 12, 1995, the two nations that went through war have together strived to "Put the past behind, overcome differences, promote similarities, and look toward the future", joining hands to promote the journey of reconciliation, building friendly, cooperative, equal, and mutually beneficial relations.

The cooperative and friendly relations between the two countries have developed continuously to reach remarkable achievements in many fields, from politics-diplomacy, economics-trade to culture-education, science-technology and resolving war consequences. In the joint flow of Vietnam-US relations, people-to-people exchanges have made significant contributions. Vietnamese people's organizations, including the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations and the Vietnam-US Society at the central and local levels, have coordinated with US partners to carry out meaningful activities, contributing to resolving the consequences of war, fostering cultural and educational exchanges, and promoting trade and investment connections.

Phan Anh Son expressed his strong belief that, in the new period, the Vietnam-US people-to-people exchange will continue to make great contributions, creating a positive and favorable social foundation and promoting the "Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for Peace, Cooperation and Sustainable Development". The Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations is pleased to be an active part of the relationship's development process.

US Ambassador to Vietnam Marc Knapper delivered a speech at the event. (Photo: VNA)

“This Friendship Exchange reflects the importance of people-to-people ties, which are the foundation of the US-Vietnam relationship,” said US Ambassador to Vietnam Marc Knapper. “Our partnership is guided by a core belief: the United States supports a strong, independent, prosperous, and resilient Vietnam, and we respect each other’s territorial integrity, sovereignty, independence, and political systems. We are deeply grateful for the excellent cooperation with the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations and the city of Da Nang as we celebrate this special milestone in our diplomatic relations.”

US Ambassador to Vietnam Marc Knapper visits booths at the program. (Photo: Tuoi Tre Newspaper)

Ho Ky Minh, Permanent Vice Chairman of the Da Nang City People's Committee, said the friendly relations between Da Nang and US localities and organizations in recent years have made significant strides through friendship visits and delegation exchanges. Memoranda of Understanding and Letters of Intent on establishing friendly cooperative relations signed between Da Nang and the cities of Oakland, Pittsburgh, and Houston have laid solid foundations for exchanges and bilateral cooperation in many aspects.

The United States is one of Da Nang's top investment partners. The city has so far attracted 89 FDI projects from the United States with a total investment capital of USD 511 million - ranking third in terms of FDI capital in the city. People-to-people diplomacy activities between Da Nang and the United States have flourished with the presence and practical contributions of the American community and US non-governmental organizations in education, health, and community development. These efforts have helped deepen and strengthen the sentiment between the two peoples.

An art performance at the event.

Ho Ky Minh expressed his belief that with its great potential in space and resources, Da Nang will soon become one of Vietnam's most prominent localities in the reconstruction of the global supply chain initiated by the United States. Da Nang and the United States are poised to make even stronger and more substantial progress in the coming years, aiming to build a friendly, comprehensive, stable, and enduring partnership.

Vietnam-US relations have made remarkable progress since the normalization on July 12, 1995.

In terms of economy, the United States has become Vietnam’s largest export market, with bilateral trade increasing more than 250-fold since normalization, reaching over USD 132 billion in 2024. US investment in Vietnam has grown rapidly, with major global corporations such as Google, Microsoft, Apple, Amazon, Intel, Meta, Nike, Visa, Coca-Cola, and Marriott playing a significant role.

In the political and security sphere, both countries have deepened cooperation through regular exchanges of delegations, particularly at high levels, as well as through dialogue mechanisms and joint efforts to address regional and global challenges, including response to climate change and support for initiatives within ASEAN and the Mekong cooperation frameworks.

In the realm of education and people-to-people exchange, Vietnam is the leading ASEAN country in terms of international students in the US, with nearly 30,000 Vietnamese students enrolled. Numerous American universities have launched research and teaching programs about Vietnam, contributing to greater public understanding in the US of Vietnam’s history and culture.

The Vietnam–US relationship stands as a powerful symbol of reconciliation and a compelling model for fostering peace and cooperation in international relations moving forward.

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