People-to-people Diplomacy - Vital Link in Vietnam-US Partnership

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Vital foundation in Vietnam-US relations

People-to-people exchange is an important means for the citizens of the two countries to enhance understanding, cultural exchange, and build long-lasting relationships. Especially in the context of the US visit by General Secretary and President To Lam, which takes place on the occasion of the first anniversary of the establishment of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and towards the 30th anniversary of the diplomatic relations in 2025, cultural exchange further affirms its indispensable role in developing relations between the two countries.

General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong and US President Joe Biden in Hanoi on September 10, 2023. (Photo: X/President Biden)

Ambassador Pham Quang Vinh, president of the Vietnam-US Society, said at the 2023 National Conference on People's Foreign Affairs that "The 10-year journey of establishing the Vietnam-US Comprehensive Partnership (2013-2023) marks the strongest period of development in the relationship between the two countries in all areas, from politics, diplomacy, to economics, trade, investment, security, defense, education, science and technology, tourism, people-to-people exchange and overcoming the consequences of war."

After the Vietnam War, the relationship between the two countries experienced many challenges. However, cultural exchange contributed to opening up the first dialogues. The Vietnam-US Society, established in 1945, has played an important role in organizing many cultural and educational exchange activities, helping to heal the wounds of war, and build trust between the two peoples.

Key areas of people-to-people diplomacy between Vietnam and the United States

People-to-people exchange between Vietnam and the United States has flourished in many different fields. Education is the most dynamic area of exchange between the two countries. Over 30,000 Vietnamese students are currently studying in the United States, with numerous scholarships such as Fulbright, opening up opportunities for Vietnamese students and faculty to conduct research in the United States and vice versa. Fulbright University Vietnam, established in 2016 with the support of the US government and business community, has become a symbol of bilateral educational cooperation. It is a place to cultivate future leaders, as well as a space for cultural exchange and to promote understanding between the young generations of the two countries.

Officials and staff from the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations and the US Embassy in Vietnam participated in a traditional ao dai fashion show as part of the Vietnam-US Friendship Festival. Photo: Dinh Hoa

Cultural activities also play an important role in building understanding between the people of the two countries. Art exchange programs, exhibitions, music, and sports have brought the people of the two nations closer together. Many cultural events have been organized to introduce Vietnamese culture to the American people and vice versa, promoting exchange and cooperation in the fields of art, film, and music. A prime example is the Vietnam-US Friendship Festival organized by the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations in cooperation with the US Embassy in Vietnam in early December 2023 to celebrate people-to-people exchanges, and the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries.

In recent years, science and technology have become an important pillar in cultural exchanges between the two countries. Cooperation projects in biotechnology, medicine, and renewable energy have brought many practical values. In particular, the medical cooperation between the two countries during the Covid-19 pandemic has demonstrated the effectiveness of people-to-people ties in addressing common challenges. Business exchange programs and economic forums have promoted trade and investment cooperation. Areas such as high technology, agriculture, and renewable energy are attracting interest and investment from both sides, laying the foundation for long-term cooperation.

Strengthening people-to-people exchange

The Vietnam-US Society, under the management of the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations (VUFO), plays a vital role in developing bilateral relations. According to Ambassador Pham Quang Vinh, during the 2021-2026 term, the Society has been implementing a strategy to diversify its partnership network to expand and consolidate bilateral relations. The Society has connected with universities, research institutions, and non-governmental organizations to promote cooperation activities, as well as share information and experiences among the parties.

The Society has also expanded its network to connect with friendship associations and organizations with shared interests, thereby strengthening the synergistic effect in people-to-people exchange activities. In addition to improving its organizational apparatus, the Society has prioritized tasks in areas such as business, education, science and technology, and healthcare, to promptly respond to the development of Vietnam-US relations.

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