Speaking at Columbia University on the morning of September 23rd (local time), President To Lam delivered a powerful policy address.

Reflecting on the transformation of Vietnam-U.S. relations, General Secretary and President To Lam stated: "Few could have imagined the extraordinary strides that the two countries have made in nearly 30 years, transitioning from former enemies to comprehensive strategic partners."

Columbia University, established in 1754 as King’s College, is the oldest higher education institution in New York and the fifth oldest in the United States. It is also one of the world’s leading research centers, having produced four U.S. Presidents, two United Nations Secretaries-General, 103 Nobel laureates, and numerous distinguished scholars. Today, many Columbia alumni hold key leadership roles in Vietnam.

During his address, Party Chief and President To Lam emphasized that after nearly 80 years of independence and 40 years of reforms, Vietnam is at the dawn of a historic new era - an era of national advancement. The remarkable achievements of Vietnam’s reforms provide a solid foundation for the nation to look toward a prosperous future.

Vietnam’s progress, Mr. To Lam stressed, is the result of the country's wise choices under the leadership of the Communist Party, combined with the collective efforts of the entire nation.

He pointed out that Vietnam’s development path is closely linked to global trends and the evolution of human civilization. The traditional Vietnamese saying, "wealth comes from friends," rings true - the nation’s success is inseparable from the support and cooperation of the international community.

"The key to overcoming the middle-income trap is innovation and harnessing the strength of national solidarity while combining it with global opportunities," Generaly Secretary and President To Lam said.

Vietnam remains committed to a foreign policy of independence and self-reliance, embracing multilateralism and diversification. The country aims to be a trustworthy partner and an active, responsible member of the global community.

"There can be no development without peace," he affirmed. Vietnam adheres to a defense policy of "four no’s" and strongly advocates for resolving disputes peacefully, in accordance with the United Nations Charter and international law, rejecting unilateral actions and the use of force in international relations.

Party Chief and President To Lam underlined that with the nation’s newfound strength, Vietnam is determined to actively contribute to global politics, the world economy, and human civilization.

Vietnam-US relations: unimaginable progress

On the topic of Vietnam-US relations, General Secretary and President To Lam marveled at the rapid evolution between the two nations. "Few could have imagined the remarkable progress in our relations over the past 30 years," he said, emphasizing how the relationship transformed from adversaries to partners, then to comprehensive strategic partners today.

Cooperation between the two countries spans various fields, including politics, economics, trade, defense, security, education, and more. From addressing the legacies of war to collaborating on global challenges such as climate change and counter-terrorism, Vietnam and the U.S. have made significant and tangible progress.

In particular, people-to-people exchanges and educational cooperation have become more vibrant, with approximately 30,000 Vietnamese students currently studying in the US, including at Columbia University.

Mr. To Lam stressed that the key to the positive development of Vietnam-US relations is rooted in Vietnam’s tradition of humanity and forgiveness, combined with the wise leadership of the Communist Party, whose vision has guided the country into international integration.

He also acknowledged the pivotal role played by figures such as President Bill Clinton and his successors, along with Senators John McCain, John Kerry, Patrick Leahy, and others, whose bipartisan support has been instrumental in fostering this strategic partnership.

The foundation of this partnership, Party Chief and President To Lam emphasized, lies in choosing dialogue over confrontation.

"If nations can promote peaceful solutions through dialogue based on international law, even the most complex issues can be resolved," he said. Dialogue, he added, must become the primary tool for conflict resolution in international relations.

Looking forward, Mr. To Lam affirmed that with the world in a period of profound change, humanity must foster greater unity.

No single country, no matter how powerful, can address the global challenges alone. The United Nations’ Summit of the Future underscores this approach.

The Vietnamese leader concluded by reiterating Vietnam’s commitment to "putting the past behind and looking toward the future."

He expressed his belief that with a united global approach, and following the successful model of Vietnam-U.S. relations, the world can turn the impossible into reality, continuing to build a sustainable and progressive civilization for all of humanity.

Tran Thuong