Cultural exchange program, special art performance. Photo: VNA

This is an activity within a series of events celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Comprehensive Partnership and the implementation of the Vietnam - US Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for Peace , Cooperation and Sustainable Development, organized by the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations in coordination with the US Embassy in Vietnam.

Attending the program were Mr. Phan Anh Son, President of the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations; Mr. Marc E. Knapper, US Ambassador to Vietnam; leaders of the Hanoi People's Committee; representatives of US non-governmental organizations and businesses; and a number of US individuals and families in Vietnam.

Speaking at the event, Chairman of the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations Phan Anh Son expressed his pleasure in coordinating with the US Embassy in Vietnam to organize the Vietnam - US Friendship Exchange Program on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the Comprehensive Partnership (July 2013 - July 2023) and the implementation of the Vietnam - US Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for peace, cooperation and sustainable development.

Reviewing the history of relations between the two countries, Mr. Phan Anh Son said that more than a quarter of a century ago, in 1995, the story of the "journey of healing and creation" began when US President Bill Clinton and Vietnamese Prime Minister Vo Van Kiet officially announced the normalization and establishment of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and the United States.

Chairman of the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations Phan Anh Son and US Ambassador to Vietnam Marc E. Knapper visit the booth displaying cultural products of the two countries. Photo: VNA

With the great and tireless efforts of the leaders and people of the two countries, the Vietnam - US relationship has made remarkable and impressive developments in all fields, becoming a "Comprehensive Partnership" in July 2013 and a "Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for Peace, Cooperation and Sustainable Development" on September 10, 2023.

According to Mr. Phan Anh Son, the diplomatic relations between Vietnam and the United States did not only begin nearly 30 years ago. Since the last years of World War II, Vietnam has joined the United States and its allies in the common front against fascism. Exactly 45 days after the founding of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam, President Ho Chi Minh decided to establish the Vietnam - US Friendship Association (the predecessor of today's Vietnam - US Association, the first bilateral friendship organization of the Vietnamese people with the people of the world).

With nearly 750,000 Americans traveling to Vietnam each year, 119 US non-governmental organizations operating in 63 provinces and cities across Vietnam and many partner organizations of the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations in the United States, as well as the love of American culture and education of the young generation of Vietnam, Mr. Phan Anh Son believes that people-to-people exchanges will continue to make great contributions, creating a favorable and broad social foundation, promoting the "Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for Peace, Cooperation and Sustainable Development" between Vietnam and the United States. In particular, the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations contributes an active part to the development process of this relationship.

In the cultural and historical space of the Thang Long Imperial Citadel - a place that has witnessed important historical stages of the country's development, a world cultural heritage recognized by UNESCO and the pride of the Vietnamese people, Mr. Phan Anh Son hopes that delegates will have interesting experiences with cultural exchange activities, unique art performances, cuisine, folk games connecting families and friends...

The program of exhibition to promote culture and art exchange between Vietnam and the United States includes many activities to introduce the culture and characteristics of Vietnam and the United States, and people-to-people diplomacy through booths displaying: cuisine, tourism, ao dai - traditional costumes, activities of the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations, the Vietnam - US Association, American non-governmental organizations in Vietnam, trade, health, environment, etc.

Program participants can learn about traveling to the United States, learning English, American businesses in Vietnam, and apply for exchange programs, educational scholarships, and jobs at the U.S. Diplomatic Mission.

In addition, there will be special musical performances from both countries: Vietnamese folk dance, traditional orchestra, Ao Dai performance, performances by artists Adrienne Mack Davis and Julian Heughan...

The program is a special event to honor the diverse cultures and friendly relations between the people of Vietnam and the United States, highlight the extensive cooperation and reflect the common desire of the people of the two countries to enhance mutual understanding through cultural exchange.

According to VNA