Vietnam-US Cooperation: From Healing the Past to Creating the Future

On October 28 in Hanoi, the Vietnam-US Association and the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations held a seminar on “Vietnam-US People-to-People Relations: 30 Years of Diplomatic Relations and Looking to the Future” with the participation of Vietnamese diplomats, scholars and American friends and partners. The event aimed to review the achievements of Vietnam-US people-to-people cooperation over the past three decades and discuss future development orientations.

Scene of the discussion. (Photo: Dinh Hoa)

In his opening speech, Ambassador Pham Quang Vinh, President of the Vietnam-US Association, emphasized that the development of Vietnam-US relations today is the result of the persistent efforts and dedication of the people of the two countries over many generations. In the new context, the Vietnam-US people-to-people relationship needs to continue to be deepened as a bridge of friendship, understanding and trust between the two countries.

Mr. Pham Quang Vinh quoted the speech of Chairman of the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations Phan Anh Son at the ceremony to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the establishment of the Vietnam - US Friendship Association on three directions that need to continue to be promoted in the people's foreign affairs of Vietnam - US: Closely following the framework of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, promoting people-to-people exchanges as a pillar of the relationship between the two countries; expanding the network of friends and areas of cooperation, not only in humanitarian cooperation and overcoming the consequences of war but also in education, culture, science, innovation, trade, environment and sustainable development; spreading the model of Vietnam - US reconciliation - a testament to the power of sincerity, tolerance and aspiration for peace .

Cooperation in overcoming war consequences - the foundation of Vietnam - US relations

At the seminar, Vietnamese and American delegates discussed many aspects of cooperation in overcoming the consequences of war. According to Mr. Chuck Searcy, President of the American Veterans for Peace Chapter (VFP 160), American veterans were the first American citizens to proactively connect with the Vietnamese people and veterans. Meetings in the spirit of reconciliation and friendship opened the door to understanding, creating a foundation for humanitarian cooperation and healing the wounds of war. From experiences and sincere sympathy, the two sides have built friendship, trust and mutual respect - values ​​that form the solid foundation of Vietnam - US relations today. He expressed his belief that the two countries will continue to work together to foster peace and a better future for future generations.

Mr. Chuck Searcy, President of Veterans for Peace Chapter 160 (VFP 160) spoke at the seminar. (Photo: Dinh Hoa)

Mr. Hoang Anh Tuan, Head of the International and Scientific Department, Vietnam Association of Victims of Agent Orange/Dioxin (VAVA), said that Vietnam and the US have implemented many humanitarian programs and projects. Programs to support victims of Agent Orange, improve the lives of people with disabilities in dioxin-contaminated areas through rehabilitation, livelihood support and community integration have helped tens of thousands of people overcome difficulties and improve their lives. He said that the Vietnam Association of Victims of Agent Orange/Dioxin wishes to continue to strengthen cooperation with American agencies, organizations and individuals and international friends to expand the scale and improve the effectiveness of support activities.

Mr. Le Cong Tien, Deputy Director of the Americas Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs , Director of the Vietnam Office for Search of Missing Persons (VNOSMP) spoke at the seminar. (Photo: Dinh Hoa)

Mr. Le Cong Tien, Deputy Director of the Department of Americas, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Director of the Vietnam Office for Seeking Missing Persons (VNOSMP), said that Vietnam has cooperated with the US in humanitarian cooperation activities, searching and accounting for US soldiers missing in action in the Vietnam War (MIA) for over 50 years, helping thousands of US soldiers' remains to be identified and returned to their families. MIA activities were a rare dialogue channel during the embargo period, contributing to laying the foundation for the normalization process and establishing diplomatic relations. He emphasized that in the future, Vietnam and the US will continue to cooperate closely in this field, not only to heal the wounds of war but also to strengthen trust, expand cooperation and bring practical benefits to the people of the two countries.

Proposal for cooperation in many fields

At the seminar, Ambassador Nguyen Phuong Nga, former Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, former President of the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations, emphasized that the Vietnam-US people-to-people diplomacy needs to attract stronger participation from young people and expand social classes such as business representatives, writers, artists, etc. She proposed promoting more creative forms of cooperation such as organizing seminars, weeks of Vietnamese literature, cinema, and music in the US and vice versa, thereby enhancing understanding, sharing cultural values ​​and narrowing the differences between the people of the two countries.

Ambassador Nguyen Phuong Nga, former Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, former President of the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations, spoke at the seminar. (Photo: Dinh Hoa)

According to Ambassador Nguyen Phuong Nga, in the context of Vietnam aiming to become a developed country by 2045, expanding cooperation with the US in the fields of economics, trade, science and technology is of great significance. In addition to positive results in humanitarian projects and overcoming the consequences of war, the two sides need to further promote cooperation in the fields of high technology and innovation. In the era of artificial intelligence, people-to-people diplomacy needs to be innovated in content and form, effectively utilizing online platforms and digital media to spread activities to the public, especially the youth.

Vice President of the Vietnam-US Association Bui The Giang said that in the context of the changing world situation, people-to-people exchanges between Vietnam and the US need to continue to be maintained and developed more strongly, not only in scale but also in quality and efficiency. According to him, people's organizations of the two countries need to promote flexibility and creativity, and at the same time apply digital technology and artificial intelligence in exchange activities, cooperation in human resource training, and sharing of knowledge and experience.

Mr. Bui The Giang proposed many priority cooperation directions in the coming time. First of all, it is necessary to promote the role of the Vietnamese community in the US as a creative resource and an important bridge in bilateral relations. Second, promote people-to-people cooperation in overcoming the consequences of war, especially in handling the problems of Agent Orange, bombs and mines and searching for missing soldiers. At the same time, it is necessary to expand cultural, artistic, sports, tourism and educational exchanges, thereby spreading humanistic values ​​and enhancing understanding between the people of the two countries.

Many American friends and partners joined the discussion online. (Photo: Dinh Hoa)

From the US people's organizations, Mr. John McAuliff, Director of the Foundation for Reconciliation and Development (FRD), pointed out four potential areas to promote people-to-people exchanges between Vietnam and the US. According to him, increasing programs to introduce Vietnam to social activists, civil organizations and American students in areas such as environment and community development with the cooperation of Vietnamese partners will contribute to building a foundation of sustainable friendship.

Mr. McAuliff proposed expanding opportunities for domestic and foreign tour operators to participate in short thematic programs on Vietnam's history, economy and culture. He also expressed his hope that in the coming time, Vietnam and the US will promote twinning relationships between localities, thereby gradually forming a wide-ranging exchange network, expanding professional cooperation, cultural, economic and educational exchanges, creating more exchange opportunities for students of the two countries.

Source: https://thoidai.com.vn/hop-tac-viet-my-tu-han-gan-qua-khu-den-kien-tao-tuong-lai-217248.html