US expert: President Donald Trump should respond to Vietnam's goodwill in negotiating tariffs

Speakers shared their personal stories of contributions to the normalization of Vietnam-US relations. (Source: VNA)

On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War and the 30th anniversary of the normalization of Vietnam-US relations, the Stimson Center - an independent research organization on international security and common prosperity, based in Washington - organized a seminar with speakers who are dedicated to the post-war healing process as well as promoting cooperation between the two countries.

The conference took place at Stimson’s headquarters on the afternoon of May 13 local time, both in-person and online. With the theme “Vietnam and the United States: 50 Years of Peace and Reconciliation,” the conference was divided into two discussion sessions: Peace and Reconciliation and Legacies of War.

The two countries have reached an important milestone.

Speaking at the opening of the event, Ms. Rachel Stohl - Senior Vice President in charge of the Research Program of the Stimson Center assessed that 2025 is truly an important year for the Vietnam - US bilateral relationship as the two countries celebrate 50 years of peace and the long-term reconciliation process.

This year also marks the 30th anniversary of the normalization of relations between Vietnam and the United States. According to Ms. Rachel Stohl, the origin and progress of this bilateral relationship are even more remarkable when considering that the two countries have gone from former enemies to Comprehensive Strategic Partners, working together for peace and the benefit of the people of both sides.

As the keynote speaker, Vietnamese Ambassador to the US Nguyen Quoc Dung delivered a speech sharing the driving forces that transformed the two countries from former enemies to partners, friends, and now Comprehensive Strategic Partners, as well as the core values ​​that have supported this journey and future directions.

According to the Ambassador, the two countries have reached an important milestone: Not only reflecting on the path they have traveled together, but also discussing how this momentum can be built on to bring lasting benefits to both peoples in the decades to come.

After analyzing the historical and structural factors that play a driving role in promoting relations between the two countries, Ambassador Nguyen Quoc Dung expressed his belief that the Vietnam-US relationship will continue to develop based on core values ​​shared by the people of the two countries such as: the value of conscience, common aspiration for peace, determination and common commitment in promoting national interests, as well as bringing tangible benefits to the people.

During the discussions, guests had the opportunity to explore the peace and reconciliation process through those who have dedicated their lives and careers to this process.

Many speakers are still actively involved in strengthening bilateral relations and promoting the resolution of remaining war legacy issues such as overcoming the consequences of Agent Orange, clearing unexploded bombs and mines, and providing disability support services to generations of Vietnamese people still affected by the war.

In addition, the speeches also inspired ways to further deepen the Vietnam-US relationship.

Vietnamese Ambassador to the US Nguyen Quoc Dung speaks at the workshop. (Source: VNA)

The difficult can still be done

Sharing his story, former US Ambassador to Vietnam Ted Osius, who is currently Chairman of the US-ASEAN Business Council, said that reconciliation is not easy and requires a lot of effort, but it is not impossible.

He assessed that Vietnam has had impressive transformations since 1995. From one of the poorest countries in the world , Vietnam has now become one of the fastest growing countries and is moving from a lower middle-income country to an upper middle-income country.

In addition, Vietnam is also negotiating tariffs with the US in a very practical and reasonable way. Former Ambassador Osius said that with goodwill from Vietnam, the US should appreciate and respond to that goodwill.

In a pre-recorded speech, former Senator Patrick Leahy said that after the US's efforts to rebuild relations with Vietnam based on trust, the two former enemies have become partners.

“Vietnam is now one of the fastest growing economies in the world. We are a Comprehensive Strategic Partner. Our militaries cooperate on freedom of navigation and other issues. Our diplomats work together on law enforcement, energy security, public health, higher education. This is something to celebrate, especially in this anniversary year. By working together on the legacy of war, we have made this possible,” Leahy emphasized.

In an interview on the sidelines of the event, Mr. Brian Eyler - senior researcher, Director of the Southeast Asia Program at the Stimson Center - said that the two countries still have a lot of work to do, such as cleaning up dioxin and Agent Orange, clearing unexploded bombs and mines, and providing support for tens of thousands of people with disabilities.

Mr. Brian Eyler commented that trade and investment between the two countries are growing strongly and the Trump administration should consider easing tariffs and signing some agreements with Vietnam for the positive bilateral relationship and for the people of both countries.

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/chuyen-gia-my-tong-thong-donald-trump-nen-dap-lai-thien-chi-dam-phan-thue-quan-cua-viet-nam-314421.html