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.

Thời Đại•10/09/2025

According to information from the US Embassy in Vietnam, speaking at the opening ceremony, Ambassador Marc Knapper said that the Program is a clear demonstration of the "breadth and depth" of the cooperation between the two countries. According to the plan, Vietnam and the United States will carry out 12 activities, from mine clearance, medical training to infrastructure construction and repair, bringing direct benefits to people at 10 locations in Quang Tri province.

Các đại biểu chụp ảnh chung tại lễ khai mạc Chương trình Bạn bè Thái Bình Dương 2025 tại Quảng Trị, tối ngày 9/9/2025. (Ảnh: Đại sứ quán Hoa Kỳ tại Việt Nam)

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

Major General E. Darrin Cox, Commander of the 18th Medical Group, representing the US Army in the Pacific , stated that the Program demonstrates a shared commitment to enhancing disaster response capabilities. Standing Vice Chairman of the Quang Tri Provincial People's Committee Hoang Nam expressed his belief that the activities will open up new, more sustainable and deeper cooperation opportunities 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 clinics, 12 bridges, and 12 disaster management coordination centers in 32 provinces of Vietnam, contributing to improving disaster response capacity 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