Vietnamese Ambassador to the US Nguyen Quoc Dung recently delivered a speech and engaged in discussions with professors, scholars, and students at American University to commemorate 30 years of normalized relations between the two countries.

The ambassador reviewed the bilateral journey, from President Ho Chi Minh’s early efforts to seek cooperation with the US to the heavy toll both nations endured during the war, and key milestones such as the 1995 normalization under Prime Minister Vo Van Kiet and President Bill Clinton, the 2013 Comprehensive Partnership established under President Truong Tan Sang and President Barack Obama, and the 2023 upgrade to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership led by Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong and President Joe Biden.

He emphasized that Vietnam-US relations are built on core values of humanity and reconciliation, demonstrated in joint efforts to address war legacies, including demining, dioxin remediation, support for persons with disabilities, and the search for missing soldiers. He highlighted both countries’ commitment to moving beyond the past to forge a substantive and effective partnership.

Professor Piper Campbell, Chair of the Department of Foreign Policy and Global Security at American University's School of International Service stated that the university organized the dialogue with the Vietnamese ambassador to address the strong interest among students and faculty in understanding developments in Southeast Asia, regional dynamics, and the region’s relations with the US.

She noted that the discussion with Ambassador Nguyen Quoc Dung provided valuable insights into the significance of 30 years of Vietnam-US diplomatic relations. She emphasized the importance of helping American students not only appreciate the current relevance of this relationship but also understand its history and key developments over the past three decades.

At the dialogue, Dr. Andrew Wells-Dang, a senior expert on Vietnam at the Centre for Asian Affairs of the US Institute of Peace (USIP), and Nguyen Hong Hai, a Fulbright scholar at American University, highly appreciated Ambassador Nguyen Quoc Dung’s speech and interactive discussion.

According to the two scholars, the ambassador’s remarks and dialogue covered all the key aspects that American scholars and young generations seek to understand about contemporary Vietnam-US relations.

Andrew Wells Dang concurred with Ambassador Nguyen Quoc Dung that Vietnam-US relations represent as an exemplary model of reconciliation and cooperation, especially given the current global hotspots of conflict.

On this occasion, Ambassador Dung showed deep appreciation for generations of leaders and senior officials from both Vietnam and the US who overcame differences, built bridges, and advanced bilateral cooperation over the decades. He acknowledged the great contributions of figures such as the late Senator John McCain, former Secretary of State John Kerry, and Senator Patrick Leahy, who played pivotal roles in reconciliation, not only helping the two nations move beyond the past but also inspiring future generations.

The US is currently Vietnam’s largest trading partner, with bilateral trade exceeding US$120 billion, more than 250 times the figure recorded in 1995.

Vietnam has emerged as a key manufacturing hub in the global supply chain, particularly in semiconductors, high technology, and renewable energy.

More than 30,000 Vietnamese students are studying in the US, serving as an important bridge between the two nations. As the two countries enter a new era, Ambassador Nguyen Quoc Dung affirmed Vietnam’s desire to continue close cooperation with the incoming administration of President Donald Trump.

He reiterated the phone conversation between Party General Secretary To Lam and President-elect Donald Trump in November 2024, during which President Trump praised the growth of bilateral ties and expressed confidence in the future of Vietnam-US cooperation.

Vietnam believes that, with the solid foundation built over the past 30 years and the support of the Trump administration, the US Congress, businesses, and the American people, the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership will continue to strengthen and thrive in the coming years.

Concluding the dialogue, Ambassador Nguyen Quoc Dung emphasized that Vietnam-US relations stand as a testament to reconciliation, cooperation, and shared progress. Advancing this partnership is not solely the responsibility of government agencies but also relies on the contributions of the private sector, academic institutions, and citizens of both nations.

He called on the younger generations of Vietnam and the US to continue serving as bridges, helping to build an even brighter future for bilateral ties.

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