Nguyen Hai Giang, chief editor of Vietnam-US Magazine, speaks at the Congress. Photo: Hai An

At the IV Congress for 2021-2026 of the Vietnam-US Society (VUS), many experiences and impressive achievements in people-to-people diplomacy between the two countries were shared.

Connecting business information

Speaking at the congress, Nguyen Hai Giang, chief editor of Vietnam-US Magazine, said that in the era of global economic integration and the digital century, Vietnam-US relations and people-to-people diplomacy have significantly changed.

The United States has become Vietnam's largest export market, and Vietnam has become the 10th largest trading partner of the US.

From an ASEAN member country with the lowest export turnover to the US, Vietnam has become the largest exporter, accounting for 21.6% of total ASEAN exports to the US.

Commere is not only a target but also a foundation for sustainable development, and a bright spot in the economic relationship between Vietnam and the United States.

With the need for international economic integration of small and medium enterprises, people-to-people diplomacy has the ability to reach a wide audience, establish personal relationships with businesses, and be a useful bridge for businesses to connect information, expand production and integrate.

"People-to-people diplomacy with the characteristics associated with the country's politics and 'business diplomacy' in Vietnam-US relations is a fundamental change in quality, an important and inevitable transition in the current period," said Nguyen Hai Giang.

Cultural connection - connecting people

A performance of ethnic musical instruments at the Congress. Photo: Hai An

Sharing the experience of cultural exchange in Vietnam with international friends, Dong Quang Vinh, conductor of the Vietnam National Opera & Ballet, said that international friends appreciated and wanted to learn about Vietnam national music and culture.

Every time Vietnamese people perform, foreign audiences are eager to come up on stage to see Vietnamese ethnic musical instruments and questions related to the instruments and music.

Dong Quang Vinh said both sides "needs to create more opportunities for musical performances between the two countries." Photo: Hai An

According to Dong Quang Vinh, "through music, through culture, people will understand each other better, and love each other more."

Therefore, it is necessary to create more opportunities for musical performances between the two countries, talks about Vietnamese art and culture for Americans, and American art for Vietnamese people."

"In particular, performances imbued with national identity are encouraged, but in accessible languages, except for private performances between artists of the two countries. "

Strengthening connection between Vietnamese and US young generations

Attaching importance to the exchange and connection of the young generations of the two countries, many activities have been implemented by the Vietnam-US Society.

VUS has organized many students and teachers from high schools, universities, research institutes, educational centers in the US, and a number of young leaders.

According to Trinh Thai Ha, board member of Vietnam-US Alumni Club, "these activities have created a space to connect prestigious Vietnamese and American diplomats, experts, and scholars with the young generation.”

Trinh Thai Ha, board member of Vietnam-US Alumni Club, said: "In order to increase the exchange and cooperation between the young generations of the two countries to a higher and broader level in the coming years, it is necessary to build a mechanism for coordination with domestic partners such as the local Vietnamese-US Society. Photo: Hai An

The delegates also emphasized that people-to-people diplomacy needsed new thinking and development to promote the strength of people in foreign affairs. Each citizen needs to be aware of their role as an ambassador representing the country to the world.

“The romantic love story overcoming the pandemic of Evan Farfan (from US) and the Vietnamese girl Thuy Tien at the end of 2020, seem to only bring inspiration about the optimism of people amid Covid-19," said Nguyen Hai Giang, chief editor of Vietnam-US Magazine.

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