Spirit of Peace and Cooperation: Precious Asset of Vietnamese and US Peoples

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In his remarks at the reception, VUFO President Phan Anh Son highlighted the significant role played by American organizations and individuals who opposed the war in Vietnam, engaged in peace movements, and have consistently supported the Vietnamese government and people in their efforts toward economic reform and renewal. He emphasized that their return to Vietnam today symbolizes the spirit of peace, cooperation, and friendship between the two countries.

President of the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations (VUFO) Phan Anh Son (sixth from left in the front row) poses for a commemorative photo with the delegation from the Fund for Reconciliation and Development (FRD) and the National Council of Elders (NCOE). Photo: Dinh Hoa)

President Phan Anh Son briefed the delegation on Vietnam’s significant milestones across various sectors since the national reunification in 1975.

Following the end of the war, Vietnam faced numerous challenges: the economy was severely damaged, infrastructure was underdeveloped, and the people's living conditions were difficult. Even today, the country continues to suffer the consequences of war. Despite decades of efforts in bomb and mine clearance, about 17% of Vietnam's land area remains contaminated and requires substantial time and resources to be made safe.

Currently, nearly 400 foreign non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are operating in Vietnam, many of which are based in the US. These organizations have made and continue to make practical contributions in areas such as poverty reduction, education, healthcare, sustainable development, and post-war recovery.

In the socio-economic area, thanks to the successful implementation of the Doi Moi (Renewal) policy initiated in 1986, Vietnam has overcome adversity and established a solid foundation for achieving significant accomplishments. The poverty rate has decreased from nearly 50% in the late 1980s to 1.92% by the end of 2024, with a target of reducing it to below 1% in 2025. Vietnam’s GDP in 2024 reached over US$ 470 billion, with a growth rate of 6-7%. In 2025, the country aims for GDP growth of 8%.

VUFO President Phan Anh Son (center) receives the delegation from FRD and NCOE in Hanoi on April 17. (Photo: Dinh Hoa)

Vietnam aims to become an upper-middle-income country with modern industry by 2030, and a high-income developed nation by 2045.

In terms of international integration, Vietnam has diplomatic relations with nearly 200 countries and territories and participates in more than 70 multilateral regional and international mechanisms and organizations. The country has also signed 17 free trade agreements (FTAs) with many nations and organizations around the world.

Vietnam-US relations have also seen significant achievements. In the spirit of “putting aside the past, overcoming differences, promoting similarities, and looking towards the future”, the two countries have worked together to nurture an increasingly effective and sustainable partnership. In 2013, the two countries established a Comprehensive Partnership. In 2023, during President Joe Biden’s visit to Hanoi, the relationship was upgraded to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

Delegates share memories and impressions of Vietnam. (Photo: Dinh Hoa)

During the reception, the delegates shared profound memories and personal impressions of Vietnam’s culture, people, and the warmth they felt toward the country. They expressed their gratitude for the warm reception by VUFO and affirmed that the information shared by President Phan Anh Son gave the delegation a comprehensive and up-to-date understanding of Vietnam and its people.

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