Organised by the Weatherhead East Asian Institute at Columbia University, the seminar was part of a series of events commemorating the 50th anniversary of the end of the US-waged war, known internationally as the Vietnam War, and the 30th anniversary of the normalisation of Vietnam–US diplomatic relations.

Vietnamese representatives speaking at the seminar included Vietnamese Ambassador to the US Nguyen Quoc Dung; Ambassador, Head of Vietnam’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations Dang Hoang Giang; and former Deputy Foreign Minister and Head of the Vietnamese Mission to the UN Dang Dinh Quy.

From the US side, participants included former US Ambassadors to Vietnam David Shear and Daniel Kritenbrink; Senior Advisor for Global Vietnam Studies at Columbia University Thomas Vallely, and other scholars and business representatives.

The seminar featured three key discussion sessions, (i) From US – Vietnam Reconciliation to the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership: State-to-State Relations; (ii) From US-Vietnam Reconciliation to the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership: The Future; and (iii) Lessons from US-Vietnam Reconciliation: Roadmap for the World.

Across the sessions, speakers agreed that 50 years after the war and 30 years after normalisation, Vietnam–US relations have made remarkable progress, aligning with the aspirations and interests of both peoples and contributing to peace, stability, and development in the Asia-Pacific and globally.

They emphasised the core importance of reconciliation and trust-building in the normalisation and deepening of the bilateral relationship. In addition to the unwavering efforts and strategic decisions of both governments, the contributions of war veterans, peace-loving individuals, and civil society were highlighted as crucial.

Presentations also underlined the significance of national solidarity and the vital role of overseas Vietnamese communities, especially Vietnamese Americans, in shaping Vietnam’s future and enhancing the Vietnam–US relationship.

Many participants praised and reflected on the message from Vietnamese Party General Secretary To Lam on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of national reunification, which reaffirmed Vietnam’s deeply humane and forward-looking policy that is to heal war wounds, to never forget but be willing to break with the past, and to work toward a shared, prosperous future for both Vietnam and the United States.

The seminar serves not only as a platform to reflect on the Vietnam–US relationship but also as a valuable example of healing, reconciliation, and international dialogue, particularly relevant in a world still facing many conflicts.

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