(VNF) - A U.S. delegation from the “2 Sides Project” (2SP), which is aimed at connecting sons and daughters who lost fathers on both sides of the Vietnam-U.S. war, is on a visit to Vietnam to enhance the exchange between the two nations’ people.

At the meeting. (Photo: VNF)

The delegation, led by Margot C. Delogne, founder and executive director of 2SP, was received by leader of the Vietnam-U.S. Society (VUS) under the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organisations (VUFO) in Hanoi on November 26.

Welcoming the U.S.’s delegation to Vietnam, former Ambassador of Vietnam to the U.S., VUS President Nguyen Tam Chien said the visit is meaningful to the development of Vietnam-U.S. ties.

It will act as another channel for exchanges and dialogues between people of the two countries, particularly young generations, he added.

Chien also briefed the delegates on VUS’s missions, Vietnam’s people-to-people diplomacy, the solidarity between the Vietnamese and U.S.’s people as well as other countries' people, the postwar challenges and the efforts of Vietnam and international friend, including U.S., in dealing with them.

Coordination in addressing the aftermaths of war is of special concern to the two sides, contributing to trust-building in their Comprehensive Partnership. Vietnam has worked effectively with the U.S. in searching for missing U.S. soldiers in the country while the U.S. has also taken steps to assist in the clearance of unexploded ordinances (UXOs) and Agent Orange/dioxin detoxification.

He expressed his hope that the visit, spanning from November 26 to December 10, will help the delegation get a deeper understanding of the country, people, history, culture and customs of Vietnam.

Each 2SP’s delegates will serve as a bridge for promoting the Vietnam-U.S. relationship in the spirit of equality, cooperation and mutual respect, not only benefiting the two countries but also contributing to peace, stability and prosperity in the region and the world, he added.

Thanking VUS and VUFO’s staff for their warm welcome, Delogne said children of fallen Vietnamese and U.S. soldiers have little chance to meet and learn about each other even though Vietnam-U.S. relations have taken giant steps after more than 20 years of normalization of diplomatic ties.

Therefore, the 2SP wants to encourage exchanges between them to share losses and difficulties, she added.

Delogne said this is the second time she has visited Vietnam and has good impression on the friendliness and hospitability of Vietnamese people.

Representatives from the 2SP and VUS then affirmed that people-to-people exchange activities, especially among youths of the two countries, have contributed to strengthening the message of peace and friendship and further promoting the Vietnam-U.S. relationship.

President of the Vietnam-U.S. Society Nguyen Tam Chien (fourth, right) and representatives of the delegation. (Photo: VNF)

Launched in 2015, the project encourages exchanges between children of fallen Vietnamese and U.S. soldiers to share losses and difficulties. The 2SP aims at connecting sons and daughters who lost fathers on both sides of the Vietnam-U.S. war.

During their 2-week trip, the 7-member delegation of 2SP are scheduled to visit Vietnam’s various sights and relics included Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Monument for Heroic Martyrs at Bac Son street, Hoa Lo Prison relic site; meet with children of Vietnamese martyrs and Vietnamese veterans, etc.

In May 2017, on the occasion of Veterans Day, the 2SP project invited the delegation including representatives of VUS and 3 children of Vietnamese martyrs to the U.S. to exchange with American soldiers’ children. This activity was widely reported by the American and Vietnamese media, creating public opinion for the U.S. visit of the Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc in May 2017./.

Translated by Phuong Nguyen