General Secretary, President To Lam emphasizes that Vietnam and the United States have built a model of reconciliation and partnership, celebrating 30 years of diplomatic relations.
During a commemorative event in New York marking the first anniversary of the upgrade to the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and the upcoming 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and the US, General Secretary, President To Lam emphasized that the relationship between the two countries stands as a historic example in global diplomacy.
At the event, attended by former US Secretary of State John Kerry, US Special Presidential Envoy for Climate, and US Senator Dan Sullivan, as well as a gathering of senior officials and the Vietnamese community in the US, Mr. To Lam remarked on the unique journey of reconciliation between Vietnam and the US.
General Secretary and President To Lam, along with his spouse, former Secretary of State John Kerry, and Asia Society President Kang Kyung Wha at the event. Photo: Lam Khanh - VNA
Reflecting on the past 30 years, Mr. To Lam noted the deep transformation from being wartime adversaries to becoming comprehensive partners.
"Even the most optimistic observers could not have imagined how Vietnam and the US would transcend the scars of war to build a robust, positive relationship," Party Chief, President To Lam stated.
Vietnam and the US first elevated their relationship to a Comprehensive Partnership in 2013. Over the past decade, efforts to build trust and foster mutual understanding paved the way for the 2023 upgrade to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. This solid foundation highlights the potential for peace, cooperation, and sustainable development between the two nations.
General Secretary and President: Vietnam and the U.S. have become friends and Comprehensive Strategic Partners, in line with President Ho Chi Minh's wishes. Photo: VNA
Mr. To Lam acknowledged the perseverance and commitment of generations of leaders and citizens from both countries in achieving such a relationship.
“This result is a testament to the efforts of many individuals, including key figures in leadership and others working quietly behind the scenes,” he added.
The event also saw reflections from key US figures like John Kerry, who shared personal experiences from his role in normalizing relations between the two countries.
Kerry expressed admiration for how far the bilateral relationship has come, affirming that Vietnam and the US now have the opportunity to open new doors for future generations.
Former Secretary of State John Kerry affirmed that, thanks to the efforts of generations of leaders and citizens on both sides, the two nations today not only celebrate having found a formula for reconciliation and ending the war, but also stand before the opportunity to achieve what the second U.S. President, John Adams, once said: “Together, we give the younger generation opportunities that our generation could not have imagined.”
As a longtime friend of Vietnam, John Kerry expressed his hope that next year both sides will mark the anniversary by looking toward the future together.
Former Secretary of State John Kerry speaks at the event. Photo: VNA
Meanwhile, Senator Dan Sullivan expressed his appreciation for the contributions of generations of U.S. Congress members, such as the late Senator John McCain and former Senator John Kerry, to the normalization and advancement of Vietnam-U.S. relations.
Senator Sullivan affirmed that the Vietnam-U.S. Comprehensive Strategic Partnership enjoys bipartisan support in the U.S., with tremendous growth potential. He also emphasized that the U.S. Congress will continue to support a "strong, independent, resilient, and prosperous" Vietnam, a country with a key role in the region.
Earlier, General Secretary and President To Lam had met with the leadership of the Asia Society Policy Institute and some American friends.
General Secretary and President To Lam highly valued Dr. Kang Kyung Wha's personal interest and support for Vietnam, both in her previous role as South Korea's Foreign Minister and her current position as President of Asia Society. Vietnam’s leadership hopes that the Asia Society leadership will continue to support the strengthening of cooperation with Vietnam and ASEAN.
General Secretary and President To Lam meets with leaders of the Asia Society Policy Institute. Photo: VNA
General Secretary and President To Lam also expressed his gratitude to American friends, such as former Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Daniel Russell, Assistant Secretary of State Dan Kritenbrink, and Ambassador Marc Knapper, for their significant contributions to the relationship between the two countries.
After nearly 80 years since its founding and almost 40 years of renovation, Vietnam is ready to step into a new historical chapter, a new era — an era of the nation's rise. Vietnam hopes to continue receiving strong support and collaboration from the international community, particularly from the U.S., in this process.
Leaders of the Asia Society and American friends affirmed their continued support for Vietnam-U.S. relations and expressed their readiness to accompany Vietnam in its remarkable development and growth.
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