The event was attended by Nguyen Thi Ngoc Diep, Vice Chairwoman of the Can Tho provincial People’s Committee, and US Ambassador to Vietnam Marc E. Knapper.

The program is part of a series of events celebrating the 30th anniversary of Vietnam-US diplomacy. It marks a significant milestone in the development of the diplomatic and comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries, promoting cultural exchange between Can Tho and the US and laying the groundwork for future initiatives to explore and share the cultural values of both nations.

Diep highlighted that the event will contribute to the consistent implementation of the State’s foreign policy, strengthens the role of people-to-people diplomacy, and supports the effective development of the “Vietnam–US Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for Peace, Cooperation, and Sustainable Development.” She noted that 2025 marks 30 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries, with key milestones including the establishment of a Comprehensive Partnership in 2013 and the upgrade to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for Peace, Cooperation, and Sustainable Development in 2023.

Over the past three decades, cooperation between Can Tho and its US partners has expanded, making considerable contributions to the city’s development and laying the foundation for locality-to-locality cooperation in the two countries.

According to the Can Tho People’s Committee, notable results include exports to the US reaching over US$228 million in the first half of 2025, primarily in rice, seafood, processed agricultural products, garments, and handicrafts; four FDI projects funded directly by US investors; and NGO projects supported by US aid in areas such as education, housing, livelihood stabilization, rural infrastructure, and climate change adaptation. In addition, multiple international cooperation agreements have been signed, notably with the city of Riverside, California, focusing on healthcare, agriculture, and education.

The Vietnam-US friendship exchange attracted large crowds, featuring cultural and sports activities, traditional games, and exhibitions featuring Vietnamese and US culture, cuisine, diplomatic achievements, Can Tho city, the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations, the Vietnam–US Association, the US diplomatic mission, NGOs, and bilateral business initiatives.

US Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City Melissa A. Brown highlighted that the event demonstrates the strength of the bilateral partnership and the vibrant connection between the peoples of Vietnam and the US. She noted that holding the program in the Mekong Delta provided an opportunity to honor meaningful ongoing initiatives in the region. The event exemplifies how the two nations create opportunities for mutual learning and cooperation, illustrating a partnership that extends beyond government collaboration to a genuine connection between their peoples.

Over the past 30 years, Vietnam-US relations have achieved remarkable progress. Economically, the US has become one of Vietnam’s largest export markets, with two-way trade hitting close to US$150 billion in 2024. In education and people-to-people exchanges, nearly 30,000 Vietnamese students are currently studying in the US. The Vietnam-US relationship serves not only as a vivid example of mutual harmony but also as a model for promoting peace and cooperation toward the future.

Can Tho pushes for stronger US cooperation in healthcare and education

VOV.VN - Secretary of the Can Tho City Party Committee Do Thanh Binh has expressed the city’s wish to expand cooperation with the US in healthcare, education, investment, and high-tech development.