Former Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Pham Quang Vinh, president of the Vietnam-US Society. Photo: WVR

Can you share your thoughts on the more than 25-year special relationship from former enemy to friend and partner of the Vietnam-US relationship?

If people look back over the past 25 years of Vietnam-US relations, they will see that the transition from a former enemy to a partner is a magical journey. However, behind that are the tireless efforts of the two countries. On this occasion, I would like to say a few points:

The first is overcoming the pain of war. The war caused a lot of pain to Vietnam. America also has its own pain. That is not an easy thing to heal overnight. Therefore, Vietnam has given the direction "putting the past aside, looking to the future".

The two countries have dared to overcome the past to look towards the future. The two sides still recognize the responsibility of cooperating to overcome the consequences of the war in Vietnam.

Second, it's about remarkable efforts to strengthen understanding and build trust. Being a former enemy and having different socio-political regimes, understanding and building trust needs to go through a process.

This is also the basis from which the two sides cooperate, narrow the differences, multiply the dual benefits, and deepen the relationship.

Third, is the gradual formation of a stable and long-term cooperation. That is the process by which the two sides gradually strengthen cooperation, from economy, politics, diplomacy, to science, technology, defense.

As one of the diplomats closely attached to Vietnam-US relations, what are your concerns and hopes about this relationship?

Vietnam is different now; a developed, and integrated Vietnam. From the 13th Party Congress, it is clear that a Vietnam is undergoing strong transformation.

This is to fulfill the country's aspirations for 2030-2045, to bring the country to a strong and prosperous development, and to have a position in the international and regional arena. This is the guideline of Vietnam in all aspects. Therefore, Vietnam's general foreign policy and relations with other countries need to develop from that new level.

American and Vietnamese flags.

Then, the Vietnam-US relationship will both need to be based on the existing bilateral development and also be placed in the new vision and interests of Vietnam.

Vietnam is independent and self-reliant, prioritizing diversification, strengthening relations with regional neighbors, major countries and key partners.

In addition, there is regional and international cooperation. How to strengthen the role of Vietnam, ASEAN and the region, enhance relations based on cooperation, build trust and international law? This is necessary when the world and the region have been undergoing rapid, and complex movements.

With a new Vietnam, entering a new stage of development, Vietnam's position has changed. Vietnam's foreign policy and Vietnam-US relations particularly also need to be developed.

The two countries need to make use of the potentials and cooperation on the basis of mutual benefits.

What do you think needs to be done to bring the two countries' relations to new heights?

If viewing from the policy, relations with other countries and interests of Vietnam, it is clear that the relationship between Vietnam and the US needs to be raised to a new level.

This relationship has much room for development, for the benefit of each country, as well as the region and the world.

The two sides need to set a roadmap to discuss, and soon identify the relationship that is already at a strategic level and is growing.

The two countries need to deepen the Vietnam-US relationship in line with Vietnam's interests and policies.

The relationship between the two sides, over the past 25 years, has continued to develop on the basis of mutual benefits.

There will be a series of anniversaries, and significant milestones in the relationship. These are: 10 years of Comprehensive Partnership in 2023, 30 years of normalization of economic relations in 2024, 30 years of diplomatic relations in 2025.

It is an opportunity for the two countries to look back and direct their relations in the coming time, at a higher level.

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