Strengthening Vietnam-US relations on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of national reunification and 30 years of normalization of diplomatic relations

On the afternoon of August 4, in Portland, Oregon, nearly 200 guests including businessmen, scholars, representatives of the Vietnamese community and American friends attended a special event jointly organized by Dragonberry Company and the United Vietnam Alliance (UVA).

Special event in Oregon to celebrate the 50th anniversary of national reunification and the 30th anniversary of Vietnam-US diplomatic relations. (Source: Consulate General of Vietnam in San Francisco)

The program takes place on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of national reunification and the 30th anniversary of establishing Vietnam-US diplomatic relations.

In her opening remarks at the event, Ms. Amy Nguyen, President, Founder and CEO of Dragonberry and UVA, emphasized: “UVA was established with the mission of promoting Vietnam-US relations in many areas, from economics, culture, education to people-to-people exchange. We believe that mutual understanding and substantive cooperation will create a solid foundation for peace , prosperity and innovation."

Ms. Amy Nguyen said that the Vietnam-US relationship is entering a more comprehensive development phase than ever before, in which cooperation initiatives at the community level play an essential role, complementing strategic agreements between the two governments .

Speaking at the event, Vietnamese Consul General in San Francisco Hoang Anh Tuan emphasized: “2025 is a special milestone – 50 years of national reunification, a symbol of peace, healing and development; and 30 years of normalization of Vietnam-US relations, the journey from confrontation to comprehensive strategic partnership".

The Consul General reviewed the 30-year journey, from the historic reconciliation decision to the two countries establishing political dialogue, defense and security cooperation, promoting trade and investment, expanding science and technology cooperation, education and training, responding to climate change and cultural exchange.

In particular, in September 2023, President Joe Biden's visit to Vietnam and talks with General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong elevated the bilateral relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, opening a comprehensive cooperation framework in 10 pillar areas.

Economically, Consul General Hoang Anh Tuan said that two-way trade turnover in 2024 has exceeded 150 billion USD, with a strong upward trend in high-value sectors such as technology manufacturing, semiconductors, clean energy, and digital economy. The US is currently Vietnam's second largest trading partner, while Vietnam is the US's largest trading partner in ASEAN.

Emphasizing the potential for cooperation with Oregon, Consul General Hoang Anh Tuan affirmed: “Oregon possesses outstanding strengths in semiconductors, advanced manufacturing, high-tech agriculture and education. These are also the areas that Vietnam prioritizes for development in its modernization and green transformation strategy. This is an opportunity for Oregon businesses and universities to explore and expand cooperation with Vietnam."

Consul General Hoang Anh Tuan pledged that the Consulate General of Vietnam in San Francisco is ready to support and connect businesses, universities and organizations of both sides to realize cooperation opportunities.

Speaking at the event, Ms. Juliana, Director of the International Cooperation Program of Oregon State University (OSU), highly appreciated the prospects of educational cooperation between Vietnam and Oregon State. She said that OSU has been promoting student exchanges, joint research and innovation projects with many Vietnamese universities.

“Vietnamese students at OSU always stand out for their learning spirit and ability to integrate. We hope to further strengthen exchange programs, helping students from both countries to better understand each other's culture, society and development needs," Ms. Juliana shared.

According to her, educational cooperation not only contributes to training high-quality human resources, but also creates a sustainable foundation for long-term partnerships in the fields of science, technology, economics and society.

Consul General Hoang Anh Tuan speaks at the event. (Source: Consulate General of Vietnam in San Francisco)

In conclusion, Consul General Hoang Anh Tuan emphasized that normalizing Vietnam-US relations is not only the activity of leaders or governments, but also a story of people-to-people diplomacy between the two countries.

“It is a story about American veterans returning to Vietnam to build a bridge of peace and friendship. It is a journey of Vietnamese students who crossed the ocean to study in the US, then brought back knowledge and aspirations to contribute to their homeland and country; it is about entrepreneurs who dare to think and dare to do, build businesses and create jobs for thousands of workers; and it is about communities like the Vietnamese American community in Oregon - persistently creating connections through friendship, education and trade,” Consul General Hoang Anh Tuan shared.

The event, organized by UVA, with the support of the Vietnamese community and international friends in Oregon, demonstrated that diplomacy does not only take place in meeting rooms, but also exists in every classroom, every cooperative project, every cultural and economic activity between the people of the two countries.

On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of national reunification and the 30th anniversary of normalized diplomatic relations, Consul General Hoang Anh Tuan called for: “Let us consider this not as a stopping point, but as a foundation for moving towards the future together. Common challenges, from economic transformation, climate change to regional security, require us to enhance cooperation, innovation and strengthen trust. That is the spirit that has shaped Vietnam-US relations over the past three decades and will continue to guide us in the decades to come."

Consul General Hoang Anh Tuan invited American friends, especially Oregonians, to visit Vietnam, explore the market, cooperate with educational institutions and businesses, and experience the country’s rich culture. On this occasion, Consul General Hoang Anh Tuan thanked the Vietnamese community in Oregon for being a “living bridge” between the two countries.

The event ended in a warm atmosphere, with open conversations and new promises of cooperation, marking an important step forward in the journey of strengthening and expanding Vietnam-US relations, from the government to the people, from national strategy to everyday connections.

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/that-chat-quan-he-viet-my-nhan-ky-niem-50-nam-thong-nhat-dat-nuoc-va-30-nam-binh-thuong-hoa-quan-he-ngoai-giao-323531.html