Ambassador Knapper shared, “As 2025 comes to a close, we commemorate an extraordinary milestone - 30 years of U.S.–Vietnam diplomatic relations. This year has been filled with meaningful moments that reflect the strength and growth of our bilateral partnership.”

In higher education, Ambassador Knapper welcomed the largest-ever delegation of American universities to visit Vietnam, aiming to enhance academic exchange and collaboration between institutions in both countries.

“I’m proud that U.S. educational 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. With over 9,000 alumni who have participated in U.S. government-sponsored exchange programs, we also hosted our largest alumni gathering ever. Leaders, scholars, and longtime Vietnamese friends came together to honor their contributions in fostering bilateral ties,” he said.

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U.S. Ambassador Marc E. Knapper and the Harvard University delegation visit the National Archives Center III in Hanoi. Photo: TK

In the cultural sphere, the Ambassador highlighted four U.S.–Vietnam friendship festivals held across the country and a creative collaboration with Vietnamese rapper Suboi on a music video titled Never Before, celebrating the people-to-people connection between the two nations. A special report titled Vietnam Matters to America, America Matters to Vietnam was also published, using data and statistics to illustrate the depth of bilateral cooperation.

In the defense and security sector, Ambassador Knapper noted the completion of the transfer of 12 T-6C training aircraft to the Vietnam Air Defense–Air Force and the delivery of a third patrol vessel to the Vietnam Coast Guard.

U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth visited Hanoi in November, while the USS Tripoli and USS Robert Smalls docked in Da Nang in December. According to Ambassador Knapper, these events symbolize the growing maturity of the bilateral defense relationship.

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General Phan Van Giang, Vietnam’s Minister of Defense, and U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth exchange wartime memorabilia. Photo: TK

In 2025, the two countries also held two major annual dialogues on defense security cooperation and law enforcement collaboration in Washington, D.C., in September and December.

The U.S.–Vietnam partnership extended into humanitarian aid as well. The United States contributed 1.75 million USD in support of Vietnam’s disaster response efforts following storms and floods in the northern and central regions.

The two countries also launched the first-ever Pacific Friends Program, a joint initiative between the U.S. Army Pacific Command and Quang Tri Province, aimed at enhancing medical readiness and disaster response.

Vietnam’s National Mine Action Center in Ba Vi District inaugurated a new explosive ordnance disposal training field. Meanwhile, steady progress continues in dioxin remediation efforts at Bien Hoa Airport - further reflecting the U.S. commitment to addressing war legacies while advancing a forward-looking partnership.

Economically, Ambassador Knapper reported that bilateral trade exceeded 150 billion USD in 2024. The U.S. remains Vietnam’s top export market and its second-largest trading partner.

A record number of over 100 Vietnamese companies participated in the 11th SelectUSA Investment Summit, aiming to explore trade and investment opportunities. “We look forward to welcoming even more leading Vietnamese firms at next year’s event,” said Knapper.

Vietnam is also the 10th-largest importer of U.S. agricultural products worldwide. The two nations are working closely in digital technology, with major U.S. firms - including Meta, Google, NVIDIA, Qualcomm, and AWS - partnering with Vietnamese ministries, universities, and startups.

“Looking ahead to next year, we remain committed to deepening our partnership and working together for a safer, more secure, and more prosperous future for both our countries and the broader Indo-Pacific region,” Ambassador Knapper affirmed.

Tran Thuong