On the evening of October 17, the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations (VUFO) and the Vietnam - US Society hosted a ceremony to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the founding of the Vietnam - US Friendship Association (October 17, 1945 - October 17, 2025).

Phan Anh Son, Chairman of the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations, shared that exactly 80 years ago, shortly after Vietnam achieved independence, President Ho Chi Minh directed the establishment of the Vietnam - US Friendship Association. His sincere wish was “to ensure that the two nations, once comrades in the Allied forces, would continue to cooperate for peace and progress.”

In the early 1990s, the Vietnam - US Society was restructured based on the original friendship association and the Vietnam Committee for Solidarity with the American People, becoming a member of VUFO.

Alongside hundreds of American partners in the people-to-people channel, the society played an essential role in advocating for and fostering the landmark 1995 event: the establishment of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and the United States.

Since then, VUFO and the Vietnam - US Society have jointly organized thousands of people-to-people diplomacy activities, such as welcoming delegations of US congress members, war veterans, scholars, businesspeople, and youth to Vietnam. They have also collaborated on cultural, educational, humanitarian, and scientific programs, and projects addressing war legacy issues.

Phan Anh Son emphasized that these activities, no matter the scale, carry profound meaning. They help build trust, narrow differences, connect hearts, and lay a solid foundation for the enduring friendship between the two nations.

He reiterated General Secretary To Lam’s statement on bilateral ties: “Over the past 30 years, we have together created a model in international relations.”

This powerful message sends a global signal that “sincerity, tolerance, and a desire for peace” can transform confrontation into cooperation, turn pain into trust, and change former enemies into Comprehensive Strategic Partners.

Phan Anh Son extended his congratulations to the Vietnam - US Society on this significant milestone.

Ambassador Pham Quang Vinh, Chairman of the Vietnam - US Society, noted that this year’s anniversary coincides with the 80th anniversary of Vietnam’s independence and the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations with the US-making the celebration even more meaningful.

Looking back over eight decades, Vietnam - US relations have overcome historical turbulence and made tremendous strides-from adversaries to normalization, and now a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, the highest level of diplomatic partnership Vietnam extends to other countries.

Today, new opportunities are opening up between the two nations, including expanded cooperation in science and technology, innovation, digital transformation, and green transition. Existing areas of collaboration-such as economics, education, tourism, people-to-people exchanges, and addressing war consequences-are also deepening. At the same time, new emerging issues will require both sides to engage in dialogue and resolution through cooperation, mutual understanding, and shared benefits.

The ambassador affirmed that the Vietnam - US Society will continue its efforts and improve its performance to contribute meaningfully to people-to-people diplomacy and bilateral relations.

At the anniversary ceremony, a special concert titled “Vietnam - US Harmony Connection” was held, featuring renowned artists from both countries.

This rare event welcomed the Johns Creek Symphony Orchestra from the US, conducted by internationally acclaimed maestro Austin Chance.

The performance included classical masterpieces such as “The Blue Danube” by Johann Strauss II, “Titanic Suite,” “In a Persian Market,” “Rhapsody in Blue” by George Gershwin, and “Fanfare for the Common Man” by Aaron Copland.

Famous Vietnamese artists such as Tung Duong, Duong Duc Hai, and clarinetist Tran Khanh Quang also performed in the program.

Tran Thuong