US Ambassador to Vietnam Jennifer Wicks has released a video message to mark the beginning of her tenure, highlighting her first official activities in the country, including presenting her credentials to Party General Secretary and State President To Lam and visiting several of Hanoi's best-known landmarks.

The video also looks back at several recent milestones in US - Vietnam relations, including Party General Secretary and State President To Lam's working visit to the United States in February, Acting US Secretary of the Navy Hung Cao's visit to Vietnam, the US Embassy's celebration of the 250th anniversary of US Independence, and Ambassador Wicks' presentation of credentials to To Lam.

"I am Jennifer Wicks. It is a tremendous honor to represent the United States of America as ambassador to Vietnam. President Trump and Secretary of State Rubio have both made clear the geopolitical and strategic importance of the Indo-Pacific region, and Vietnam is one of our most important partners in the region. A strong, independent and resilient Vietnam is in the interests of the United States. I will work every day to advance our shared interests and help make both of our nations safer, more secure and more prosperous," the ambassador said in the video.

Career in public service

Introducing herself, Wicks said she has devoted her entire career to public service, working for the US government, the military and the State Department.

She described herself as a Korean American from a small town in the state of Minnesota, known as the "Land of 10,000 Lakes." She said the state's communities are recognized for the "Minnesota Nice" spirit, shaped by resilience, hard work and a deep connection to home and community. According to the ambassador, these are values shared by the Vietnamese people.

"My parents still live in a small town in Minnesota, about an hour's drive south of the Twin Cities. It is home to two colleges and surrounded by farmland," she said.

Now based in Hanoi, Wicks spoke enthusiastically about her first experiences in Vietnam.

"I am now here in Hanoi, Vietnam's vibrant capital. I have visited Hoan Kiem Lake, toured the Temple of Literature, and joined Vietnamese friends in celebrating a special milestone in American history, the 250th anniversary of US Independence."

She said that service, leadership and community have long shaped who she is. Together with her passion for education and cultural exchange, these are the values she hopes to bring to her role as US ambassador to Vietnam.

Focus on expanding bilateral cooperation

Wicks said she looks forward to strengthening the dynamic bilateral relationship between the two countries, with a focus on trade and investment, defense and security cooperation, and people-to-people exchanges.

"During my first meeting with Party General Secretary and State President To Lam, we discussed the importance of continuing to advance our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. The Party General Secretary and State President said we do not have time to hesitate, and I completely agree. With a comprehensive, forward-looking agenda, our two countries have much more that we can accomplish together."

The ambassador concluded her message by enjoying a Vietnamese iced milk coffee at a café in Hanoi.

Tran Thuong