30 years of Vietnam - US relations: A rare journey in international relations

July 11 is an important milestone in Vietnam-US relations as the two countries celebrate the 30th anniversary of normalization of relations. The development of relations between the two countries over the past years can be considered a rare journey in international relations. On this occasion, Pham Huan, VOV reporter, had an interview with Vietnamese Ambassador to the United States Nguyen Quoc Dung.

Reporter: Could you please share with us the significance and importance of the 30-year milestone of Vietnam-US relations, especially for Vietnam? What are the decisive factors for the two countries to achieve important progress in bilateral relations over the past 30 years, Ambassador?

Ambassador Nguyen Quoc Dung: 30 years of normalization of Vietnam-US relations is a very meaningful milestone. From two former enemies after the war, the two countries have overcome their differences to become comprehensive strategic partners. This can be said to be a rare journey in international relations. For Vietnam, this is the result of a consistent foreign policy: independence, self-reliance, multilateralization, and deep integration for peace and development.

30 years of Vietnam - US relations, a rare journey in international relations, photo 1

Vietnamese Ambassador to the United States Nguyen Quoc Dung

The Vietnam-US relationship has developed because both sides have built trust, shared strategic interests and committed to substantive cooperation. In my opinion, there are four outstanding factors: First, the vision and political determination of the leaders of the two countries. Second, the principle of mutual respect - especially respect for the independence, sovereignty and political institutions of each side. Third, the joint efforts in overcoming the consequences of war - such as detoxification, mine clearance, support for Agent Orange victims, and search for missing people - activities of profound humanitarian value. And fourth, the strong driving force from economic and trade cooperation, with turnover increasing more than 200 times in 30 years. That has made Vietnam the leading partner of the United States in ASEAN.

PV: How does the Ambassador assess the areas of cooperation between the two countries with the strongest potential for development in the coming time, especially in the context of many regional and global fluctuations?

Ambassador Nguyen Quoc Dung: In the context of the world and the region continuing to change rapidly, the Vietnam-US relationship has maintained stability and positive development momentum. This shows that this is a relationship with strategic depth, mutual complementarity, adaptability and practical benefits for both sides.

In the coming time, the two countries can prioritize promoting cooperation in a number of prominent areas. First of all, economics - trade - investment, with a focus on high technology, supply chains, high-tech agriculture and digital transformation. Vietnam wishes to become a reliable partner of the United States in the global supply chain.

Cooperation in science, technology and innovation is also a new highlight, especially in areas such as semiconductors, artificial intelligence, clean energy and healthcare.

In addition, education and training of high-quality human resources, national defense and security, people-to-people exchange and overcoming the consequences of war will continue to be important pillars. These are all areas clearly identified by the leaders of the two countries when upgrading the relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in September 2023.

30 years of Vietnam - US relations, a rare journey in international relations, photo 2

Ambassador Nguyen Quoc Dung talks with VOV reporter

PV: On the occasion of the 30th anniversary of normalization of relations, could you please share Vietnam's expectations for the future of bilateral relations and our message to our American friends?

Ambassador Nguyen Quoc Dung: Over the past thirty years, Vietnam and the United States have come a long way, creating a special relationship – not only because of history, but because of the way the two countries have overcome history to look to the future.

In the coming period, we expect the relationship between the two countries to continue to be raised to new heights – not only in the breadth of cooperation, but also in the depth of mutual understanding and trust.

It is important to build a solid social foundation for bilateral relations – where people of the two countries, especially the young generation, understand each other better, learn from each other, and together create common values.

We hope that American friends will continue to accompany Vietnam – not only as comprehensive strategic partners, but also as sincere friends who share the same aspirations for a peaceful, stable and inclusive world.

Vietnam will continue to be a reliable and responsible partner, working with the United States to build a better future for the region and the world.

PV: Thank you very much, Ambassador.

Pham Huan/VOV-Washington

Source: https://vov.vn/chinh-tri/30-nam-quan-he-viet-nam-hoa-ky-hanh-trinh-hiem-co-trong-quan-he-quoc-te-post1213683.vov