In his speech, Pham Thanh Kien, Vice Chairman of the municipal People's Council and Chairman of the Vietnam–US Friendship Association (VUFA) said after Vietnam gained independence, the Vietnam–US Friendship Association was established under the directive of President Ho Chi Minh. It was the first bilateral people-to-people friendship organization set up by the State of Vietnam, demonstrating a spirit of solidarity between the two peoples.

Kien emphasized that despite a challenging journey, both nations through perseverance, goodwill, and mutual trust have overcome difficulties to build a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, officially established in 2023.

Bilateral cooperation has expanded across a wide range of areas, from economics, education, and defence to innovation and sustainable development.

Efforts to heal the wounds of war, including the return of wartime artifacts, the clearance of unexploded ordnance, and the handling of toxic remnants, have been stepped up in tandem with growing bilateral co-operation.

These outcomes are not only the result of governmental efforts, but also of the tireless contributions by people’s organizations, businesses, and individuals, he added.

On this occasion, Kien extended his appreciation to US Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City Susan Burns for her dedication to nurturing the friendship between the US and Vietnamese peoples, especially with the residents of Ho Chi Minh City, which has helped boost effective cooperation in health, education, the environment, and community development. He expressed confidence in a bright future for Vietnam–US relations, grounded in cooperation, mutual understanding, and shared values.

Consul General Susan Burns recalled how Vietnam and the US established diplomatic relations 30 years ago and began looking toward a shared future. Today, the two countries are trusted partners, bound by friendship and reconciliation, mutual respect for each other’s independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and political systems.

Concerning cooperation potential, Burns highlighted education and training as a key pillar of people-to-people diplomacy between the two countries. She reaffirmed the US diplomatic mission’s commitment to strengthening partnerships between US and Vietnamese higher education institutions, enabling both nations to benefit from the talents of their students, lecturers, and researchers.

Burns also stated that cultural and professional exchanges continue to serve as a vital foundation for people-to-people ties, enhancing mutual understanding and forging stronger bilateral relations, while ongoing cooperation and diverse initiatives are contributing to a safer, stronger, and more prosperous future for both countries.

Hanoi ceremony marks 247th anniversary of US Independence Day

A ceremony took place in Hanoi on June 29 under the chair of US Ambassador to Vietnam Marc Knapper to celebrate the 247th anniversary of the US Independence Day (July 4).