Vietnam welcomes continued US efforts in post-war recovery

THE HANOI TIMES — Vietnam welcomed the US government’s continued support for post-war recovery projects in Vietnam despite the recent suspension of US Agency for International Development (USAID) funding, said Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Pham Thu Hang.

"Vietnam-US cooperation in post-war rehabilitation plays a crucial role in reconciliation, confidence building, and opening new avenues for cooperation in various fields," she told the ministry's regular press briefing on March 20.

“The continued and effective implementation of these projects will strengthen the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for peace, cooperation, and sustainable development between the two countries,” she said.

Several joint initiatives between the two nations remain ongoing or have been resumed, including the projects to clear unexploded ordnance and decontaminate Bien Hoa Airport.

Previously, President Donald Trump's administration had cut over 90% of USAID's global assistance programs. However, according to a representative of Meta Group at the US-ASEAN Business Council (USABC) press event on March 18, post-war recovery efforts in Vietnam will still be pursued and supported by the US government.