VietNamNet Bridge introduces the second part of a recent talk between US Ambassador Ted Osius and our readers. Mr. Ted Osius commented that patriotism is the driving force for national development and both Americans and Vietnamese are patriotic.

VietNamNet: I believe that if your five priorities are realized, certainly, it will make Vietnam-U.S. relations closer and deeper as well as more effectively support the development process of Vietnam. Many readers have asked if Vietnam and the U.S. have any opportunities to become strategic partners during your term.

Ambassador Ted Osius: In my opinion, the partnership’s scope is more important than the partnership’s name. In my previous assignments, I contributed to promoting the comprehensive partnership between India and the U.S., and the comprehensive partnership between Indonesia and the U.S. I have gained experience via such work, so I think it is most important to have a respectful partnership. If we have a respectful partnership with depth and breadth in various areas, that is a beneficial partnership for both sides. The U.S. view is that when we have several such partners in this region, it would be very good for Asia and the whole world as well.

VietNamNet: This is Nguyen Hong Ha’s question: What core interests does the United States have in Vietnam and the Southeast Asia and what are the U.S.’s interests in the East Sea?

Ambassador Ted Osius: There are two very important aspects (to this issue) in the East Sea. The first is freedom of navigation and aviation in Southeast Asia and, historically, the United States promotes freedom of navigation and aviation. The second is how to solve the problem. The United States supports a peaceful settlement, with respect for international law. The United States does not support the use of force or intimidation to resolve a problem.

VietNamNet: Thank you the Ambassador. Reader Nguyen Trong Nghia asked: can you please tell if America has national spirit? How do American people show that spirit to contribute to the United States? Is the spirit of Vietnam through the observation of the Ambassador different from the one of the American people? If there is a difference, is it a driving force for the development of the two countries?

Ambassador Ted Osius: In my opinion, the American people are very patriotic. I have the flag of the United States here and most of the American people love the country and respect the flag. In my opinion, the people of Vietnam are also very patriotic and respect the flag of their country. The difference lies in the history.

Historically, the United States had two big revolutions to cope with threats. Vietnam also had a lot of big revolutions to fight against menace. Historically, Vietnam has undergone many wars, and understanding Vietnam history is very important.

To understand Vietnam, it is necessary to be well-informed about the culture, the history, and the value of the people of Vietnam. Back to the question regarding economic development, my point is that patriotism is the driving force to economic development. The notion that patriotism has helped the Vietnamese people develop the economy faster is laudable and the entire world can respect that.

VietNamNet: As what the Ambassador shared, I understand that, if there are proper ways, the patriotism and nationalism themselves will become strengths for a country which is on its path of development.

Reader Thao Griffiths ask questions: In 2015, we will celebrate 20 years of normalization of diplomatic relations between the two sides, what are the focal activities to celebrate the event? We also wish you a wonderful and memorable term in Vietnam. Hopefully one day we'll be cycling with you.

Ambassador Ted Osius: I also hope to have opportunities to ride a bicycle to speak to local people, exchange ideas, and enjoy food and beautiful scenery of Vietnam. Back to the question just now, I hope we will have many achievements in the cooperation between the two countries.  That is the way to celebrate a very important relationship in the world, an important achievement which is not unilateral, but bilateral. Next year, we're aiming at the 20th anniversary of normalization of bilateral diplomatic relations; we should focus to be able to work together effectively.

VietNamNet: The Vietnamese public is looking forward to a time when the two countries celebrate 20 years of normalization of relations. President Obama may visit Vietnam. Vietnam has welcomed President Bill Clinton and President George Bush. People were impressed by the warm welcome that each visit received from the Vietnamese public. A reader asked why recently U.S. Presidents made visits to Vietnam towards the end of their terms? Has this made any impact on promoting bilateral relations?

Ambassador Ted Osius: First of all, I joined President Bill Clinton's visit. I remember a lot of people were out on the street to talk to Clinton. I have never forgotten this visit - a great visit for both countries. I did not have an opportunity to participate in President Bush's trip to Vietnam, but I hope President Obama will have a chance to come here.

I think it will be very suitable if President Obama is able to visit Vietnam during the 20th anniversary of normalization of diplomatic relations between the two countries. I think if President Obama has a chance to come over here, you will see that President Obama is very respectful to the Vietnamese people, Vietnamese leaders, and the culture and history of Vietnam. He has highly respected Vietnam and appreciated the relations between the two countries. President Obama has signed and promoted comprehensive partnership relations between the two countries and he'd love the relationship between the two countries to be closer.

VietNamNet: One of the important steps in recent years is the U.S.’s partial lifting of a ban on the sale of lethal weapons to Vietnam. Reader Nguyen Van Nhung asked that, according to the Ambassador, when will the U.S. completely lift the ban on weapons sale to Vietnam?

Ambassador Ted Osius: In the future, I hope so, but it depends on the choice of the Vietnamese Government. If Vietnam has more progress in human rights and security areas, I am quite optimistic. Compared to a time when I was here, Vietnam has made lots of progress in many areas, especially in human rights. I hope in the future, Vietnam will have much further progress.

Live honestly and try your best to be happy

VietNamNet: Reader Tran Van Mai asked:  Dear Mr. Ted Osius, I like Mr. Pete Peterson, the first U.S. Ambassador to Vietnam. After the two countries normalized relations, especially after Mr. Pete Peterson arrived in Vietnam for a few weeks, he came to Hai Duong to meet and talk to the farmer and the guerrilla who arrested him when his plane was shot down. Two people were incredibly friendly as they had never been enemies and rivals. What do you think of Vietnamese farmers? In addition to political duties, have you made any plans for Vietnam’s rural areas and farmers? My hometown is in the Central of Vietnam, the area which used to be seriously affected by the war, it is still very poor, will you visit my hometown by invitation?

Ambassador Ted Osius: First of all, I would like to say Ambassador Pete Peterson was my boss and he was a great boss. Mr. Pete Peterson respected people and leaders of Vietnam. I highly respect him. When I worked for him in the past, I enjoyed and had never forgotten that he was my friend. Mr. Pete Peterson visited a lot of places and provinces in Vietnam, and I also plan to visit many places and provinces in Vietnam. I would like to follow the path of Mr. Pete Peterson when he was here.

To help Vietnamese farmers, in my view, we should promote free trade relations. If there is a freer trade relationship, it can help the market to be more open and transparent, and it also helps Vietnamese farmers when they want to export agricultural products. I think we will have a lot of progress in this area while I serve as Ambassador.

VietNamNet: The Vietnamese public does look forwards to this. Many readers expect that you will have opportunities to visit their home country. Many readers put questions saying that they greatly admire you as you are an Ambassador who have disclosed your sexual orientation and has been supported by the world community.  Welcome to Vietnam! Coming to work in Vietnam, have you thought of making contributions to promoting the acceptance of gay-marriage or the rights of the LGBT community in Vietnam? And please share your secrets to maintain a happy family?

Ambassador Ted Osius: I think there are two very important things in life. One is love and being loved. Two is live meaningfully. In my opinion, they are two important things for everyone, whether he is homosexual or not. My advice for homosexual people is live with honesty and dedication. I think when we live honestly and wholeheartedly, we will have a happy life.

VietNamNet: Thank you Ambassador Ted Osius for your advices to the LGBT community in Vietnam. Many readers have submitted questions related to the procedures for visa issuance to the United States, but we think that information on visa grants has been published on the website of the U.S. Embassy; readers who have any questions regarding this can access the Embassy’s website to find out more information.

Here, we have picked out a case so that the Ambassador can speak to the readers because they earnestly want to know the Ambassador’s opinion. Reader Boa Chua: Hello Ambassador.  As far as I know, the United States is a very humane and civilized country.  May I ask the Ambassador for help in this special case? My father suffered an accident while he was on the way to work in Honolulu, Hawaii on the night of August 21, 2014 and he has been comatose. My brother, sister and I all have profiles for settlement. However, when we applied for tourist visas to visit my father, I failed while my brother and sister-in-law were granted visas. I intend to apply for a tourist visa for the second time in Vietnam. I have property, income, and a good job, my husband has been granted a visa to the U.S., and we have a three year old son. I have no reason to remain in the United States illegally. I very much look forward to receiving the Ambassador’s advice and support.

Ambassador Ted Osius: Very complex.  The choice for each visa depends on each case, and each case is different. It is difficult to address this in today’s chat. I can’t do it. I can't give specific advice in this case, but we always try to resolve visa issues and ensure fairness.

VietNamNet: From my personal experience, I also have many friends who have filed visas to the U.S. They were unsuccessful once or twice but then they submitted again, and finally they were successful. Perhaps the only advice for this case is being confident to apply for a visa again.

May I continue asking the Ambassador? You also know Vietnam's lunar New Year is coming, do you and your family have any special plans for the lunar New Year in Vietnam?

Ambassador Ted Osius: I enjoyed the lunar New Year in Vietnam. I know Vietnam’s traditions are: The 1st day of the lunar New Year is Tet for Fathers, the 2nd day is Tet for Mothers, and the 3rd day is Tet for Teachers. Previously, I taught English to a group of students and they presented a gift to me on the 3rd day of the lunar New Year.

I loved this occasion! I would love Chung (Green square) cake because it is very tasty and has a very important symbol. I've heard the story about the Hung King who called all the 18 princes to take part in a contest among 18 of them. One of them chose Chung cake whose ingredients include rice, green beans and pork. The stuff is wrapped in banana leaves symbolizing relations among people-Sun-land. It is very smart to choose such a special dish. When celebrating Tet, people enjoy and offer Chung cakes as gifts to show his reverence of grandparents, parents, and ancestors. I appreciate the lunar New Year and respect the traditional food and the tradition to respect the ancestors.

VietNamNet: We have one last question for the Ambassador. The Vietnamese public is interested in every step of yours, from when you were nominated as Ambassador to your hearing before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and the inauguration in Washington DC. They also enjoy watching the video clips published before your arrival in Vietnam. What do you think of this special care given to you by the Vietnamese public?

Ambassador Ted Osius: I am honored and pleased to be here. I would like to say the most important thing is that I very much respect Vietnam. I very much respect the history, the culture, and the hospitable people of Vietnam. I think the people of Vietnam highly appreciate Vietnam-U.S. relations and have great expectations of this relationship. I will try to promote effective comprehensive partnership for both countries. For sure, I will love to be here because I have chances to talk to a lot of the Vietnamese people, exchange ideas, and enjoy Vietnamese food and visit many places. I am very happy to be here, and I am honored to work as the U.S. Ambassador to Vietnam.

VietNamNet: Thank you very much, the Ambassador! I believe that with the return of an old friend who has been deeply sticking with Vietnam as Mr. Ted Osius - U.S. Ambassador to Vietnam, the relations between the two countries will have more opportunities to further develop in the future. VietNamNet readers would like to wish the Ambassador to have a term of great success in Vietnam as well as your partner and your family to have plenty of opportunity to enjoy the beautiful scenery and delicious food in Vietnam.