Vietnam-US relations in all areas, from economics, trade and investment, to defense, health, climate change response, energy, education and security, have made great strides.
Looking back at 2024, US Ambassador to Vietnam Marc E. Knapper shared with Vietnam News Agency reporters in a recent interview about the significant progress in bilateral relations after one year since the two countries upgraded their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
- After a year since the two countries upgraded their bilateral relations to Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, what are the most important achievements in the Vietnam-US relationship, Ambassador?
Ambassador Marc E. Knapper: We are pleased with the progress our two countries have made. In the more than a year since President Biden and General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong announced the upgrading of bilateral relations, our two countries have made significant progress, reflecting our deepening relationship.
The upgrade of our partnership is a strong testament to the journey we have taken in nearly three decades. Bilateral relations in all areas, from economics, trade and investment, to defense, health, climate change response, energy, education and security, have made great strides.
We firmly believe that Vietnam's success is America's success and vice versa. This shows that we are increasingly united for the common prosperity, security and well-being of our two peoples.
Let me briefly review some of the major achievements. In the field of technology, we have seen significant progress such as NVIDIA’s plan to establish a research center in Vietnam. US universities such as Arizona State are now developing advanced programs to train Vietnamese students in high technology.
Our defense cooperation has also made progress. We recently delivered five training aircraft to Vietnam and pledged $12.5 million in support for Vietnam in patrolling and monitoring fisheries and marine resources, helping Vietnam to be able to protect its natural resources, sovereignty and territorial integrity.
We are actively building a new embassy, demonstrating our long-term commitment to cooperation with Vietnam.
Another notable achievement was in the health sector. In Can Tho, the two countries celebrated the transition from funding from the US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and the Global Fund to local social health insurance. (Vietnam is now able to mobilize financial resources for HIV/AIDS prevention and control, using both domestic resources through Vietnam Health Insurance instead of relying entirely on international donors through PEPFAR.) This is truly a milestone showing the success of Vietnam-US health cooperation.
We have also concluded a direct power purchase agreement in the energy sector after six years of cooperation. These achievements are the result of the efforts of both governments, experts and the media. I hope that the relationship between our two countries will develop even better in the coming year.
- How does the enhanced partnership contribute to regional stability and economic development, especially in the context of new challenges in the Indo-Pacific, Ambassador?
Ambassador Marc E. Knapper: The United States and Vietnam share a commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific region. We share a commitment to freedom of navigation, freedom of overflight, and strict adherence to international law. Vietnam has a strong voice in Southeast Asia in promoting these important values.
In addition, Vietnam’s economic growth contributes to regional stability. As we have seen, there has been a significant shift in supply chains, particularly in semiconductors and high-tech manufacturing, to Vietnam. This shift promotes prosperity for both Vietnam and the United States, and with prosperity comes a desire and incentive to promote regional stability.
Furthermore, Vietnam is playing an important role globally. Its participation in international peacekeeping missions in places like South Sudan and its membership in the United Nations Human Rights Council demonstrate Vietnam’s commitment to global peace and stability.
- The United States has committed to supporting Vietnam's transition to net zero emissions. Can you elaborate on the green energy and climate cooperation initiatives currently underway?
Ambassador Marc E. Knapper: One highlight is the six-year effort to establish direct power purchase agreements, which now allow investors to contract directly with solar or wind farms. This is expected to significantly boost green energy investment as well as the development of new clean energy sources.
US companies are interested in investing in green energy, including offshore wind pilot programs. Bilateral cooperation also extends to science and agriculture. A collaborative effort between NASA and local academic institutions is advancing the use of satellite data to improve disaster forecasting and relief, directly addressing the impacts of climate change.
Many new partnerships are being formed in agriculture. For example, I recently visited a farm in Can Tho City that is applying US technology to develop high-quality, low-emission rice fields. Under this project, the US Department of Agriculture and USAID work with local farmers and cooperatives to protect the environment and reduce overall emissions.
- On the eve of Christmas and New Year 2025, what message does the Ambassador want to send to the Vietnamese people?
Ambassador Marc E. Knapper: Vietnam and the United States will celebrate two important anniversaries next year: the 30th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations and the 50th anniversary of the end of the war. Over the years, we have gone from being enemies to close friends and trusted partners. Together, we have accomplished much.
Trade turnover has reached a remarkable level of 120 billion USD. Bilateral cooperation is not only limited to trade but also extends to many other areas, from security, defense to energy, climate and education.
The milestones in the coming year are not just an opportunity for us to affirm that we have worked well together. Instead, these achievements are a catalyst for further progress in our relationship. We still have much work to do. We still have many opportunities to grow and build our friendship. I look forward to seeing more Vietnamese students in the United States and more American students in Vietnam. So my message to you is one of hope, optimism, and welcoming new milestones in our relationship.
- Thank you very much Ambassador!
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