Vietnam - US launch Pacific Friends Program 2025 in Quang Tri

On September 9 in Quang Tri, the Government of Vietnam and the US Army Pacific Command officially launched the Pacific Friends Program 2025. This is the first time the annual program has been organized to promote cooperation in humanitarian assistance and disaster response, medical cooperation, engineering and other civil activities of the Vietnamese people, while strengthening the long-term relationship between the United States and Vietnam.

According to information from the U.S. Embassy in Vietnam, Ambassador Marc Knapper, speaking at the opening ceremony, stated that the program is a clear testament to the "breadth and depth" of the cooperative relationship between the two countries. According to the plan, Vietnam and the United States will implement 12 activities, ranging from demining and medical training to infrastructure construction and repair, directly benefiting people in 10 locations in Quang Tri province.

Delegates pose for a group photo at the opening ceremony of the Friends of the Pacific 2025 program in Quang Tri, September 9, 2025. (Photo: U.S. Embassy in Vietnam)

Major General E. Darrin Cox, Commander of the 18th Medical Corps, representing the U.S. Army in the Pacific region, stated that the program demonstrates a shared commitment to enhancing disaster response capabilities. Hoang Nam, Standing Vice Chairman of the Quang Tri Provincial People's Committee, expressed confidence that the activities will open up new, more sustainable, and deeper opportunities for cooperation between the two countries.

The United States allocated $1.5 million to the program this year. Since 2007, the U.S. Department of Defense has provided more than $39 million to build 44 schools, 28 health centers, 12 bridges, and 12 disaster management coordination centers in 32 provinces of Vietnam, contributing to enhancing disaster response capabilities and strengthening bilateral cooperation.

Source: https://thoidai.com.vn/viet-nam-hoa-ky-khoi-dong-chuong-trinh-ban-be-thai-binh-duong-2025-tai-quang-tri-216220.html