On behalf of President Luong Cuong, Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Hoai Trung on Tuesday presented the Friendship Order to U.S. Ambassador to Vietnam Marc Knapper - one of the highest honors the Vietnamese government bestows on foreign individuals and organizations who make significant contributions to fostering friendship, solidarity, and cooperation with Vietnam.

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Foreign Minister Le Hoai Trung presents the Friendship Order to Ambassador Marc Knapper. Photo: MOFA.
 
 
 

The award symbolizes the deep appreciation of Vietnam’s leadership and people for the ambassador’s vital role in enhancing and expanding the relationship between Vietnam and the United States throughout his tenure.

Ambassador Knapper expressed pride in having contributed to the remarkable growth in bilateral ties, especially the historic upgrade to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. He emphasized how this milestone has opened new doors for political trust, expanded trade, and improved collaboration across various fields, including defense and security, humanitarian initiatives, war legacy remediation, energy, and science and technology.

The ambassador affirmed that no matter his future role, he will remain a steadfast friend of Vietnam and continue to support the development of the U.S.–Vietnam relationship.

Earlier today, National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man received Ambassador Knapper, congratulating him on a successful term in Vietnam and expressing gratitude for his effective, forward-looking contributions to bilateral cooperation.

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National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man presents a gift to Ambassador Marc Knapper. Photo: National Assembly.

Chairman Man welcomed the ambassador’s proposals to further enhance exchanges between the two countries' legislative bodies - especially among parliamentary leaders, committees, and delegates - and to deepen cooperation in priority areas such as digital transformation, innovation, clean energy, climate change response, education and training, healthcare, and science and technology.

The Chairman affirmed that Vietnam’s National Assembly stands ready to closely coordinate with the U.S. Congress to improve the legal framework for bilateral collaboration, ensuring the effective and sustainable implementation of cooperative mechanisms between the two countries.

In turn, Ambassador Knapper conveyed his honor in serving in Vietnam during a period of unprecedented advancement in bilateral ties, highlighted by the elevation to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. He praised the progress in inter-parliamentary cooperation and expressed confidence that the legislative branches of both countries will continue to play a key role in strengthening the relationship.

As he concludes his four-year term, Ambassador Knapper reaffirmed his personal commitment to deepening the Vietnam–U.S. partnership, regardless of his future assignments.

Tran Thuong