Elevating the Vietnam - US Comprehensive Strategic Partnership

Photo caption — Vietnamese Ambassador to the US Nguyen Quoc Dung. Photo: Ngoc Quang/VNA reporter in the US

According to a VNA correspondent in Washington, the ceremony was attended by Vietnamese Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the US Nguyen Quoc Dung; Acting Assistant Secretary of State for National Security and Defense Brent Christensen; Senator Roger Marshall; Congressman Seth Moulton; Ambassadors, Heads of diplomatic missions in the US; close friends and partners from the US Government, business and academic communities; and a large Vietnamese community in the US.

Speaking at the ceremony, Ambassador Nguyen Quoc Dung recalled the historic moment 80 years ago, when President Ho Chi Minh on September 2, 1945, proclaimed the founding of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam (now the Socialist Republic of Vietnam), a free and independent nation, and announced to the world the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness of the Vietnamese people. According to Ambassador Nguyen Quoc Dung, that declaration was the crystallization of decades of national liberation struggles, and at the same time inspired the liberation and self-determination movements around the world.

Ambassador Nguyen Quoc Dung emphasized that once one of the poorest agricultural countries, Vietnam now ranks 35th in the world in terms of economic scale, is a leading destination for trade and investment and is increasingly becoming an important link in the global supply chain. As it moves towards new heights, Vietnam confidently enters a new era, aiming to become an upper-middle-income country by 2030 and a developed, high-income country by 2045.

Reviewing the Vietnam-US relationship from former rivals to Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, Ambassador Nguyen Quoc Dung said that 2025 will witness four important milestones: the 80th anniversary of Vietnam's National Day, the 50th anniversary of the end of the war in Vietnam, the 30th anniversary of the establishment of Vietnam-US diplomatic relations, and the two-year establishment of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Currently, Vietnam is the 8th largest trading partner of the US, while the US is the 2nd largest partner of Vietnam. US investment is among the 10 largest sources of foreign direct investment in Vietnam, while Vietnamese enterprises are expanding their presence in the US, creating jobs and contributing to strengthening the resilience of the supply chain. These flows reflect the complementary strength of the two countries' economies and the growing strategic interests they share.

According to Ambassador Nguyen Quoc Dung, despite major changes domestically and internationally, 2025 will still witness strong momentum in Vietnam-US relations, most clearly demonstrated by continued engagement at all levels. General Secretary To Lam and President Donald Trump have had two phone calls this year, continuing frank and constructive dialogue. In the coming days, a Vietnamese delegation led by President Luong Cuong will attend the High-Level Week of the United Nations General Assembly in New York and have bilateral meetings with US and international partners. Exchanges through all channels - executive, legislative, local, business and people - continue to emphasize the depth and scope of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

Emphasizing that the best days of the partnership are still ahead, Ambassador Nguyen Quoc Dung expressed his belief that the development momentum in Vietnam-US relations will continue in the remaining months of the anniversary year and hoped that the top leaders of the two countries will soon have the opportunity to meet directly.

At the ceremony, US Assistant Secretary of State for National Security and Defense Brent Christensen, Senator Roger Marshall and Congressman Seth Moulton delivered speeches emphasizing the meaningful journey of cooperation, the spirit of reconciliation and the prospect of comprehensive development in bilateral relations.

Representing the US State Department, Mr. Brent Christensen emphasized the strategic depth of the Vietnam-US relationship, from its difficult post-war beginnings to the two countries becoming Comprehensive Strategic Partners. The relationship between the US and Vietnam has undergone a remarkable evolution over the past few decades. From a history of conflict to the current cooperation with Vietnam, this relationship is dynamic, growing and looking to the future.

According to Mr. Christensen, the collaborative efforts to address the legacy of war and people-to-people ties between the two countries have paved the way for stronger economic, strategic, and cultural ties between the United States and Vietnam. Currently, with about 30,000 students studying across the United States, Vietnam is one of the six largest sources of international students, contributing more than $1 billion to the U.S. economy. These students return to Vietnam to fuel the growth of its dynamic economy and become lasting bridges between the two countries.

At the beginning of his speech, Senator Roger Marshall sang “Happy Birthday Vietnam!”, creating a warm and friendly atmosphere and making a strong impression on all the guests attending the ceremony, before emphasizing the strong friendship and achievements that the two countries have made.

According to Senator Marshall, the two countries' upgrading of their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership reflects trust and shared vision. Since 2015, trade between the two countries has tripled in 10 years, from 45 billion USD to more than 140 billion USD. Vietnam is now one of the top 10 trading partners of the United States. This is a testament to trust and future potential. Over the past two years, this partnership has brought concrete results for both sides, such as Vietnam ordering Boeing 737 Max aircraft and buying agricultural products from the state of Kansas. In addition, US companies such as Intel, Apple, and Nike have invested billions of dollars in Vietnam, helping to diversify the supply chain and making the economies of both countries stronger and more sustainable, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic.

At the ceremony, Congressman Seth Moulton expressed his special affection for Vietnam, considering it his favorite country for four reasons: a meaningful shared history, the Vietnamese people, the beauty of the country and its rich cuisine. Mr. Moulton emphasized the connection between the two peoples not only in bilateral relations but also in regional and international cooperation. As a Marine veteran, he especially appreciated Vietnam's efforts in healing the wounds of war, repatriating the remains of American soldiers and promoting reconciliation. According to him, these efforts have opened up a bright future for the young generation of the two countries and set an example for the next generation.

The 80th National Day celebration at the Vietnam House in Washington DC took place in a solemn and warm atmosphere. Delegates together sent their best wishes to the Vietnamese people for continued success, confidently entering a new era of development, and expressed their hopes for a future of deeper and more comprehensive cooperation between the two countries.

In an interview with VNA reporters, Ambassador Nguyen Quoc Dung affirmed that this is a very meaningful occasion for international friends, especially American friends, to celebrate and congratulate the achievements, and at the same time identify goals and plans to further promote relations between Vietnam and the US as well as with other countries in the world.

Source: https://baotintuc.vn/thoi-su/nang-tam-doi-tac-chien-luoc-toan-dien-viet-nam-my-20250919100254445.htm