US Ambassador Marc Knapper: 2025 marks a milestone in Vietnam-US relations

THE HANOI TIMES — Vietnam and the United States in 2025 marked a historic milestone as they celebrated 30 years of diplomatic relations, which was described as “filled with meaningful moments” by US Ambassador to Vietnam Marc Knapper.

He said the year highlighted the strength, depth and growth of the bilateral partnership, with both countries making significant progress in trade, culture, education, digital technology and humanitarian cooperation.

Education emerged as a cornerstone of cooperation and it became impressive in 2025 as Vietnam hosted the largest-ever delegation of US universities to visit the country, expanding academic exchange and collaboration.

“I am very proud that outstanding US education institutions continue to attract Vietnamese students, making Vietnam the fifth largest source of international students in the United States, with 36,000 currently studying there,” Ambassador Knapper said.

So far, more than 9,000 Vietnamese students have participated in US government-funded exchange programs. During the year, a special meeting brought together generations of leaders, scholars and Vietnamese friends to honor their contributions to bilateral cultural relations.

Cultural cooperation also reached new heights with the 30th anniversary celebrations, including four Friendship Festivals across Vietnam and a collaboration with Vietnamese rapper Suboi to release the music video “Never Before” highlighting the connection between the peoples of both countries.

The US published a special report titled “Vietnam is important to the United States, the United States is important to Vietnam,” using data to illustrate the depth of cooperation. The report was complemented by a historical exhibition at the National Archives Center III in Hanoi, showcasing three decades of shared development.

The bilateral relations were also marked by expanded humanitarian and security collaboration. In recent months, the US provided Vietnam with $1.75 million to respond to storms and floods in Vietnam’s northern and central regions.

Meanwhile, the first Pacific Friends program between the US Army in the Pacific and the central province of Quang Tri focused on medical readiness and disaster response.

Regarding war legacies, the US continued to show commitment in addressing related issues and promote forward-looking cooperation through the inauguration of an explosives training ground at the National Mine Action Center in Hanoi’s outlying commune of Ba Vi and and continued dioxin remediation at Bien Hoa Airport in the southern province of Dong Nai.

The ambassador also expressed delight at strengthened economic ties, with bilateral trade exceeding US$150 billion in 2024. The US remained Vietnam’s top export market and second-largest trade partner. Vietnam is the 10th largest country in the world to import US agricultural products.

In May, over 100 Vietnamese companies attended the 11th SelectUSA Investment Summit, expanding trade and investment opportunities. The ambassador expected more leading companies from Vietnam to join the summit next year.

The cooperation was advanced in digital technology, with US government programs and companies including Meta, Google, NVIDIA, Qualcomm and AWS working closely with Vietnamese ministries, universities and enterprises to develop AI infrastructure, train talent and accelerate national digital transformation.

In addition, the defense will build a stronger and more efficient relationship.

Ambassador Marc Knapper said these initiatives reinforced the bilateral partnership and contributed to shared prosperity.

As the new year begins, Ambassador Knapper expressed hope that the two countries would deepen their partnership and continue cooperation for a safer, more secure and prosperous future for Vietnam, the United States and the Indo-Pacific region.

To celebrate the 30 years of Vietnam-US relations, many activities have been organized in both Vietnam and the United States, including a seminar held in Columbia University’s Weatherhead East Asian Institute in New York in May, themed "from former foes to comprehensive strategic partners."

The seminar also marked 50 years since the end of the war, drawing officials, diplomats, veterans, scholars, students, the Vietnamese-American community and international supporters of the anti-war movement.

Attending the event was Vietnamese Ambassador to the United States Nguyen Quoc Dung, Ambassador Dang Hoang Giang and former Deputy Foreign Minister Dang Dinh Quy, together with US participants, including former Ambassadors to Vietnam David Shear and Daniel Kritenbrink, senior advisor Thomas Vallely, scholars and business representatives.

The seminar focused on reconciliation, the future of the strategic partnership and global reconciliation models. Speakers agreed that Vietnam-US relations have advanced significantly, benefiting both peoples and contributing to peace and development in the Asia-Pacific and globally.

Key lessons emphasized were reconciliation and trust building, with veterans, peace-oriented citizens, national solidarity and the overseas Vietnamese community playing essential roles.

On the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the relations, US Consul General Melissa A. Brown conveyed to the young generation of Vietnam: “We look forward to you continuing to serve as a strong bridge between our two countries. I believe that through close cooperation, our future will be brighter than ever.”

Sharing with The Hanoi Times, Ambassador Marc Knapper affirmed that from war to friendship, and now to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, Vietnam has emerged as one of the United States’ top trade partners in Southeast Asia, the largest source of international students in ASEAN and a key partner in promoting regional security, stability and prosperity.

“Together, we are forging a new chapter of collaboration, tackling global challenges such as climate change and health security, and advancing innovation through technology and education.”

“Thank you for being part of this incredible journey. Let us look forward to the next 30 years of friendship, cooperation and shared success,” stated Ambassador Marc Knapper.