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Connection between culture and diplomacy

Often considered the “soul” of a nation, culture not only reflects the unique identity of each people but also plays a vital role in building and strengthening solid relationships between countries. It lays the foundation for long-term cooperation and shared development. Culture serves as a spiritual bridge, bringing nations closer, fostering mutual understanding, and breaking down language, custom, and tradition barriers, thereby cultivating trust.

The signing ceremony of the Memorandum of Understanding on Cultural and People-to-People Cooperation between Vietnam’s Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the U.S. Department of State in Washington D.C. (Photo: VNA)

When countries share common cultural values and traditions, it becomes easier for their people to find common ground, fostering empathy and mutual respect. Moreover, when differences in culture are respected, a more open and cooperative attitude emerges, paving the way for joint development. Respecting cultural differences means preserving each nation’s identity while embracing the cultural essence of others to grow together. Therefore, promoting cultural exchange and raising awareness about respecting diversity are essential for enhancing collaboration and strengthening bonds between nations.

Culture and diplomacy have a mutually supportive relationship and are crucial in fostering peaceful, sustainable international relations. Cultural diplomacy strengthens mutual understanding and respect between countries, promotes national identity, resolves conflicts and crises, and creates a solid foundation for economic and political cooperation while enhancing a nation’s soft power.

Cultural exchange between Vietnam and the United States

Since Vietnam embarked on its national renovation and international integration, especially after the official normalization of diplomatic ties with the U.S. in 1995, cultural exchange between the two countries has been increasingly enhanced. American culture has had a strong influence on Vietnam through media, music, films, and lifestyle. Hollywood movies, television shows, music, and fashion have become popular and widely embraced by Vietnamese youth. Meanwhile, Vietnamese culture has made its presence felt in the U.S. through the Vietnamese community living, working, and studying there, as well as through Vietnamese restaurants, cultural festivals, and art events.

Cultural exchange is also evident in education and research cooperation. Many Vietnamese students choose the U.S. as a study destination, not only to gain knowledge but also to experience and immerse themselves in its diverse culture. This cultural interaction broadens the horizons of Vietnamese students and creates opportunities for Americans to better understand Vietnam’s culture and people. Student exchange programs and research collaborations between universities in both countries play a crucial role in promoting mutual understanding.

In the economic field, American business culture has significantly influenced Vietnam. Global economic integration has brought Vietnam deeper into the global supply chain, allowing it to adopt advanced business and management models from the U.S. Major U.S. tech corporations like Google, Microsoft, and Apple have established a presence in Vietnam, creating a modern, professional work environment that encourages creativity and innovation among the younger workforce. This influence has gradually shaped the mindset and working style of many Vietnamese people, enhancing the country's competitiveness on the global stage.

However, cultural differences also present challenges in bilateral exchanges and cooperation. Differences in language, customs, lifestyle, and perspectives can lead to misunderstandings and cultural conflicts. Yet, over time and through joint efforts from both sides, these barriers have been gradually overcome, forming a solid foundation for the friendly and cooperative Vietnam-U.S. relationship.

In the joint statement on elevating the Vietnam-U.S. relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for Peace, Cooperation, and Sustainable Development, both sides agreed to boost people-to-people exchanges, promote two-way tourism, strengthen business cooperation, expand expert and academic exchanges. The two countries aim to enhance cooperation between U.S. states and Vietnamese provinces and cities through practical, effective programs and projects. These efforts will foster relations between communities, industries, businesses, youth, and people’s organizations through delegations, joint seminars, and cultural activities such as arts, music, and sports exchanges.

U.S. Ambassador Marc E. Knapper enjoys Vietnamese cuisine at the Vietnam-U.S. Friendship Cultural Festival in Hanoi. (Photo: VNA)

Cultural exchange between Vietnam and the U.S. has gone through several phases—from early encounters during wartime, through a period of disruption and healing, to comprehensive and robust development in modern times. The cultural interaction has intensified since normalization in 1995, bringing tangible benefits but also posing challenges that need to be addressed.

The achievements in Vietnam-U.S. relations across various fields, especially in culture, are the result of nearly 30 years of effort by the leaders and people of both nations. These solid foundations will continue to drive the Vietnam-U.S. Comprehensive Strategic Partnership toward stronger and more effective development in the future.

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