On September 22 (New York time), during his trip to attend the Future Summit and the 79th UN General Assembly, General Secretary and President To Lam held a warm meeting with American communists, leftist organizations, and friends of Vietnam.

The event was jointly organized by the Central Committee for Foreign Relations, the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations, and the Vietnamese Delegation to the UN.

Among those present were representatives from various states, leaders of the Communist Party of the USA, leftist organizations, peace activists, veterans, and charitable organizations, all gathered to express their ongoing support for Vietnam.

At the gathering, Rossana Cambron, Co-Chair of the Communist Party USA, expressed deep admiration for Vietnam’s economic development under a socialist-oriented market economy. She called Vietnam’s growth a model for sustainable development, noting its achievements in improving the quality of life for its citizens.

John McAuliff, Chair of the Reconciliation and Development Fund, praised the ongoing reconciliation between Vietnam and the U.S., remarking on how both nations had achieved such progress in the context of their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

Many participants shared personal stories of how they had worked to promote understanding between the two nations, including Margot Delogne, Executive Director of Project 2, who highlighted efforts to connect those on both sides of the Vietnam War who had lost parents. These initiatives, she said, were about fostering mutual understanding and healing wounds from the past.

This is also the story of efforts to support peace and oppose the use of nuclear weapons during the Vietnam War by representatives of the December 12th Movement, as well as individuals like Peter and Cora Weiss, who were willing to share their experience in peace negotiations with the Vietnamese delegation at the Paris Conference. They also raised funds to send a ship filled with food to Vietnam during its difficult years.

Party Chief, President To Lam expressed his deep gratitude for the unwavering support and dedication of American communists, peace activists, and the broader American public.

He updated attendees on Vietnam’s significant achievements in nearly 40 years of economic reforms, noting that Vietnam’s 14th Party Congress, scheduled for 2026, would mark another major milestone in the country’s journey toward socialism.

President To Lam also emphasized Vietnam’s commitment to peaceful relations, noting that the country consistently contributes to global reconciliation efforts and helps address challenges faced by humanity.

As a gesture of appreciation, President To Lam presented the Friendship Medal to John McAuliff, Cora Weiss, and other key figures for their tireless work in strengthening ties between the Vietnamese and American peoples.

Speaking on behalf of the honorees, McAuliff and Weiss expressed their gratitude for the recognition, noting that the honor belongs to the thousands of Americans who have worked to support Vietnam.

The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment from both sides to continue building strong relations and mutual understanding between the two nations.

Tran Thuong