Vietnam - US relations: Sustaining momentum toward balanced, enduring partnership
Over the past three decades, two-way trade has increased more than 300 times, with Vietnam becoming a major player in global supply chains. Many major US corporations now view Vietnam as a strategic manufacturing and consumer market, while more Vietnamese firms are entering the highly competitive US market.
Hanoi (VNA) – As Vietnam and the US are celebrating the 30th anniversary of the normalisation of diplomatic ties (July 11, 1995 – 2025), officials an𓄧d experts from both countries held that the reꦜlations have grown deeper, broader, and more resilient, with economic and trade cooperation playing a central role in driving the relationship forward.
The assessment was shared at a forum titled “30 Years of Vietnam - US Relations: Advancing Balanced and Sustainable Trade”, held in Hanoi on July 11 by Tien Phong (Vanguard) Newspaper.
The event brought together diplomats, scholars, trade promotion officials, and business leaders to reflect on past achievements and explore new opportunities for cooperation.
Speaking at the event, journalist Phung Cong Suong, Editor-in-Chief of Tien Phong Newspaper, said the three decades of the bilateral ties reflect not only the passage of time but the depth of trust and dialogue between two former adversaries.
Suong recalled words by Pete Peterson, the first US Ambassador to Vietnam and a former prisoner of war, who said that he came to Vietnam twice, once to fight, and once to reconcile. No journey is more worthwhile than the second journey.
Participants highlighted that the Vietnam-US relationship has expanded across multiple sectors, with trade and investment cooperation remaining a key pillar. Over the past three decades, two-way trade has increased more than 300 times, with Vietnam becoming a major player in global supply chains. Many major US corporations now view Vietnam as a strategic manufacturing and consumer market, while more Vietnamese firms are entering the highly competitive US market.
Former Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and former Vietnamese Ambassador to the US Pham Quang Vinh noted that the past 30 years reflect a journey of growing mutual understanding and strategic trust. The Vietnam-US relations have developed in parallel with Vietnam’s reform and global integration process, he said, adding that these two paths reinforce one another.
Economist Dr. Can Van Luc, a member of the Prime Minister’s Economic Advisory Council, said there remains untapped potential in bilateral trade.
The two economies complement each other more than they compete, he said, citing Vietnam’s young population, affordable labour costs, and institutional reforms as factors that could boost its global competitiveness.
“The hardest part is behind us. There’s no reason we can’t keep building on what we’ve achieved,” Luc said./.
Three decades since the normalisation of bilateral ties, thanks to tireless efforts from both nations, Vietnam and the US have built mutual trust, becoming friends and comprehensive strategic partners across all sectors.
Three former US ambassadors to Vietnam have shared their views on the past achievements and future prospects of bilateral relations as the two countries celebrate the 30th anniversary of the normalisation of their diplomatic relations this July.
The Hanoi exhibition chronicles key milestones in Vietnam-US relations and their cooperation across politics, economy, culture, science, education, health care, and national defence.
US Ambassador Marc Knapper affirmed that the US is ready to continue working with Vietnam to deepen mutually beneficial cooperation and advance the bilateral relationship, based on mutual respect for each other’s independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and political systems.
Vietnamese Ambassador to Morocco and Côte d’Ivoire Le Kim Quy traced the 50-year journey of bilateral relationship, noting strides in political dialogue, mutual support at international forums like the United Nations, the Francophonie, and the Non-Aligned Movement, and robust economic ties anchored in trade and investment.
Son and Rubio expressed their delight that their meeting coincides with the 30th anniversary of Vietnam-US diplomatic ties (July 12). They reviewed extraordinary strides made in various areas over the past three decades, especially since the upgrade of the bilateral relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2023.
Thanh highlighted that the Ho Chi Minh Space is not only a special cultural and historical landmark, but also a source of inspiration for the human values, independence, and the quest for freedom that President Ho Chi Minh steadfastly pursued throughout his life.
With trust and mutual respect, Vietnam and the US are writing a new chapter of long-term cooperation, for the benefit of the people of the two countries and for peace and prosperity in the region and the world.
This stride was made possible by a shared commitment to building bridges of friendship rooted in trust, strategic vision, and strong public support of both sides.
Thirty years ago, in the night of July 11, 1995 (US time), US President Bill Clinton officially announced the normalisation of diplomatic relations with Vietnam. In the early morning of July 12, 1995 (Vietnam time), Prime Minister Vo Van Kiet officially announced the normalisation of diplomatic relations with the US.
The seminar was the first activity in during Thanh’s visit, the first-ever by a top Vietnamese legislator since the two countries established diplomatic ties in 1975.
Hansen said Denmark attaches importance to the Comprehensive Partnership and Green Strategic Partnership with Vietnam while speaking highly of the positive development in the bilateral relations over the recent past.
The Party Central Committee’s Politburo and Secretariat on July 11 announced disciplinary measures against three incumbent and former officials for serious violations of the Party's regulations and the State's laws while performing their duties.
HCM City, as Vietnam’s vibrant economic and cultural hub, has played a pivotal role in fostering cooperation between the two countries. French businesses, as well as educational, health care, heritage conservation, and urban development organisations have maintained an active and visible presence in the city.
The following is a brief review of the day’s events as reported by the Vietnam News Agency.
People-to-people exchange has long served as a vital bridge between Vietnam and China, forming a strong social foundation for building trust, fostering cooperation, and maintaining peace. In celebration of the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties in 2025, the two Parties and Governments have jointly designated the year as the “Year of Vietnam-China Humanistic Exchange,” reflecting a shared strategic vision to promote sustainable bilateral relations rooted in public engagement.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son held separate meetings with the foreign ministers of China, Australia, and Algeria on the sidelines of the 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM-58) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on July 10.
The Lao Vice President asked the Central Committees of the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union (HCYU) and the Lao People's Revolutionary Youth Union (LPRYU) to continue enhancing coordination to effectively implement their 2022–2027 cooperation agreement, especially in youth exchanges and education of younger generations about the countries’ traditional ties.
National Assembly (NA) Vice Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Thanh held talks with French Senate Vice President Loic Hervé and French NA Vice-President Nadège Abomangoli, met with Anne Le Hénanff, Chairwoman of the France – Vietnam Friendship Parliamentarians’ Group (FVFG) in the French NA, and Amélia Lakrafi, General Delegate of the APF.
Speaking at the closing session of the 47th meeting of the NA Standing Committee in Hanoi on July 10,National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man commended the close, prompt, and active coordination among involved bodies.
