Marks of development of Vietnam

Overcoming the geographical distance, the Vietnam-US relationship after 28 years of establishment continues to develop positively and comprehensively with many impressive achievements. In the spirit of putting the past behind, overcoming differences, promoting similarities, and looking towards the future, the Vietnam-US Comprehensive Partnership is constantly being strengthened and expanded, serving the interests of the people of the two countries, for peace and prosperity in the region and the world.

Repatriation ceremony for the remains of US soldiers missing in action during the war in Vietnam. (Photo: MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS)

Since the normalization of diplomatic relations 28 years ago, Vietnam and the United States have had a long journey of cooperation, with many efforts to cultivate and build trust, moving forward together. In particular, over the past 10 years, since the two countries established a Comprehensive Partnership (in 2013), trust has been consolidated and strengthened, contributing to the effective development of the relationship between the two countries, on bilateral, regional and international levels, in accordance with the aspirations of the people of the two countries.

The priority areas of cooperation between Vietnam and the United States have all seen strong developments. The two countries maintain contacts and delegation exchanges. During a high-level phone call in March 2023, General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong and US President Joe Biden agreed to promote, develop, and deepen the Vietnam-US relationship for the benefit of the two countries, peace, cooperation, and development.

Along with good political relations, Vietnam-US economic and trade relations are considered the most successful areas of cooperation. Currently, the United States is one of Vietnam's largest trade partners, and the first export market of Vietnam to surpass the 100 billion USD mark. Over the years, the United States has always been one of the largest investment partners in Vietnam, with nearly 1,150 active projects and a total registered investment capital of more than 10.3 billion USD. Vietnam has risen to the position of the 7th largest trade partner of the United States worldwide; investment by Vietnamese enterprises in the United States has gradually increased.

Defense and security cooperation between Vietnam and the United States has maintained its momentum. Humanitarian cooperation and overcoming the consequences of war continue to be priorities and have achieved many concrete results. The United States continues to increase its budget for the Bien Hoa airport detoxification project and support for people with disabilities in dioxin-contaminated areas. Vietnamese agencies have coordinated with the United States to search for, identify and return the remains of missing US soldiers. Educational cooperation has recently achieved many positive steps forward, with efforts to promote technology transfer, while health cooperation and socio-economic recovery after the Covid-19 pandemic continue to be bright spots in bilateral relations, especially in mutual support for medical equipment, access to vaccines, sharing experiences in epidemic prevention and protection of citizens.

Affirming its readiness to cooperate with international partners in enhancing friendship and dialogue, consolidating peace, promoting development, upholding international law and responding to common challenges, Vietnam continues to coordinate with the United States and partners to promote peace and cooperation in the region and the world. The two sides strengthen coordination at regional forums, such as ASEAN, APEC... and global issues. In the context of many fluctuations in the world situation, the two countries still maintain and expand cooperation opportunities in new areas, such as: Climate change response, digital transformation, green economy, food security...

Adding to the assessment that Vietnam and the United States have achieved many cooperative achievements that few people could have imagined nearly 30 years ago, Vietnamese Ambassador to the United States Nguyen Quoc Dung emphasized: When evaluating the Vietnam-US relationship, many people use the word "miraculous". However, it must be affirmed that the "sweet fruits" that the two countries have achieved are not due to luck or coincidence. They are the result of the persistent efforts of generations of leaders and people of the two countries.

Regarding the factors promoting the Vietnam-US relationship, Ambassador Nguyen Quoc Dung analyzed that the development of cooperation truly brings common benefits, meets the aspirations of the people, for peace and development of both countries and the region. Another important factor is the way the two countries behave towards each other, which is: Respect, especially respect for each other's independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity and political institutions; sincerity and goodwill to cooperate, seek understanding to resolve differences; going into specific areas, we will also see separate motivating factors.

Looking back at the achievements in the 10 years of the Vietnam-US Comprehensive Partnership, both sides expressed their joy at the increasingly dynamic relationship. Recently, in his greetings to the Government and people of Vietnam on the occasion of the 78th anniversary of Vietnam's National Day, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken affirmed that the United States supports a strong, prosperous, independent and self-reliant Vietnam. The US Government values the partnership that the Governments and people of the two countries have together cultivated and wishes to further strengthen cooperation, especially in areas that promote the common goal of a prosperous, open, resilient and peaceful Indo-Pacific region.

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