Vietnam-US Friendship Exchange in Can Tho

(Chinhphu.vn) - On the evening of September 13, in Can Tho City, the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations coordinated with the US Diplomatic Mission in Vietnam and the People's Committee of Can Tho City to organize the Vietnam-US Friendship Exchange Program. This is an event in a series of activities to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, attracting thousands of people, tourists, and delegates from home and abroad.

US Ambassador to Vietnam Marc E. Knapper and US Consul General Melissa A. Brown in Ho Chi Minh City take a photo with young people - Photo: VGP/LS

Special event celebrating 30 years of Vietnam-US diplomatic relations

Attending the event were leaders of the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations; leaders and departments of Can Tho City; representatives of the Embassy and Consulate General of the United States in Ho Chi Minh City; the Union of Friendship Organizations of Can Tho City and provinces, the Vietnam-US Association; research institutes, universities; Vietnamese-US businesses; non-governmental organizations, American friends and partners, American bands, scholars, intellectuals, students and local people.

In his opening speech, Vice President of the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations Dong Huy Cuong emphasized: The Vietnam-US relationship is a "typical model" in the world in the spirit of "Putting aside the past, overcoming differences, promoting similarities, and looking toward the future".

In just 30 years, the two countries established a Comprehensive Partnership in 2013 and a “Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for Peace, Cooperation and Sustainable Development” in 2023. He affirmed that people-to-people exchanges are “heart-to-heart bridges”, contributing to resolving the consequences of war, supporting victims of Agent Orange, searching for missing soldiers, promoting trade, connecting investment, educational cooperation and deepening the foundation of friendship.

Can Tho expands cooperation with US partners

Speaking at the meeting, Vice Chairwoman of Can Tho City People's Committee Nguyen Thi Ngoc Diep shared: In recent years, cooperation between the city and localities and US partners has achieved many outstanding results.

In the first six months of 2025, export turnover to the US reached more than 228 million USD, mainly rice, seafood, processed agricultural products, garments, and handicrafts. The city has 4 FDI projects from direct US capital; many NGO projects with US aid in education, housing support, livelihood stabilization, rural road and bridge construction, and improving knowledge on climate change adaptation, contributing to socio-economic development.

In addition, many international cooperation agreements were signed, especially the cooperation program with Riverside City, California, in 3 areas: Health, agriculture and education and training. Can Tho City is also entering a new development phase when completing the arrangement of administrative units and merging with Hau Giang and Soc Trang provinces from July 1, 2025.

With expanded scale and increased resources, Can Tho aims to become a growth pole in the Mekong Delta by 2030, an ecological, civilized, modern urban area with a strong Tay Do identity.

Can Tho City leaders emphasized: "Can Tho especially values ​​the companionship and effective cooperation from the community, organizations and international partners for sustainable development and deep integration."

With the foundation of the comprehensive strategic relationship between Vietnam and the United States, Can Tho will continue to closely coordinate with the US Embassy, ​​Consulate General, the US business community and investors to open up the next 30 brilliant years, especially in strategic areas such as smart agricultural technology transfer, clean energy, science and technology, innovation, digital transformation and high-quality human resource training.

Art performance at the Vietnam - US friendship exchange - Photo: VGP/LS

Strengthening friendship through people-to-people exchange

Speaking at the ceremony, US Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City, Ms. Melissa A. Brown emphasized: “This festival is a great example of how the two countries join hands to create opportunities to learn, cooperate and share joy. Events like this remind that partnerships are not only between governments but also between people to build a brighter future.”

This year's program impressed with many cultural exchange activities, sports, folk games of the two countries; visiting booths displaying Vietnamese and American culture and cuisine and achievements in diplomatic relations; introducing Can Tho City, the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations, the Vietnam-US Association, the US Diplomatic Mission, activities of non-governmental organizations, Vietnamese-US businesses...

Vietnam-US relations have grown significantly since normalization on July 12, 1995. The United States is currently Vietnam's largest export market, with two-way trade turnover reaching nearly 150 billion USD in 2024. US investment in Vietnam is increasing rapidly, with large corporations such as Google, Microsoft, Apple, Amazon, Intel, Meta, Nike, Visa, Coca Cola, Marriott...

The two countries have strengthened cooperation through high-level delegation exchanges, implemented dialogue mechanisms, and coordinated the handling of regional and global issues. Regarding education and people-to-people exchanges, Vietnam has nearly 30,000 international students in the United States - the highest number in ASEAN; many US universities have implemented research and teaching programs on Vietnam, contributing to improving American people's understanding of Vietnamese history and culture.

Le Son

Source: https://baochinhphu.vn/giao-luu-huu-nghi-viet-nam-hoa-ky-tai-can-tho-102250913103249709.htm