Vietnam-US Relations: Strengthening Ties Through Cultural and People-to-People Exchange

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In terms of economic cooperation, US business culture has had a significant influence on Vietnam. Global economic integration has led Vietnam to become more involved in the global supply chain, learning from and adopting advanced business and management models from the US. Major American technology companies like Google, Microsoft, and Apple are now operating in Vietnam, creating a modern, professional work environment that encourages innovation and creativity among the young workforce. This shift has also brought about changes in the mindset and work style of many Vietnamese people, enhancing the competitive capacity of Vietnam's economy on the international stage.

US Ambassador to Vietnam Marc E. Knapper enjoys Vietnamese cuisine at the Vietnam-US Culture Friendship Day in Hanoi. (Photo: VNA)

However, cultural differences pose certain challenges to exchanges and cooperation between the two countries. Language, customs, lifestyles, and perspectives can lead to misunderstandings and cultural conflicts. Over time and with efforts from both countries, these barriers have gradually been overcome, laying a strong foundation for the friendship and cooperative relationship between Vietnam and the US. In today’s context, as the world faces common challenges such as climate change, food security, cybersecurity, and global pandemics, cultural exchange and cooperation between Vietnam and the US have become increasingly essential. Mutual understanding and respect will help both countries overcome difficulties and contribute to peace and sustainable development worldwide. Cultural integration between the two countries is a continuous process that evolves from past conflicts to current and future cooperation and exchange. This integration enriches the cultural lives of each nation and creates favorable conditions for economic, social, and educational development in both countries.

In the Documents of the 13th Party Congress, the Party’s perspective on building and promoting Vietnamese cultural values and the strength of the Vietnamese people is expressed through a unified and dialectical relationship, affirming the goal to “preserve and promote Vietnamese cultural values and the strength of the Vietnamese people in the cause of national construction and defense and international integration.” Building upon the Party and State’s viewpoint that cultural factors contribute to the nation’s prosperity, in the framework of the Vietnam-US Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, culture is recognized as playing a vital role in the relationship between the two countries. People-to-people exchanges act as a bridge to foster the Vietnam-US Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. The past decade of the Vietnam-US Comprehensive Partnership has laid a strong foundation and created significant prospects for the development of relations between the two countries in general and for people-to-people diplomacy in particular in the coming time. People-to-people diplomacy has contributed significantly to the development of Vietnam-US relations over the years. It is a key factor in strengthening friendship, fostering mutual understanding and respect between the two peoples, and building a solid foundation for multi-sector cooperation, from politics and economics to culture, education, and social activities. People-to-people exchange brings practical benefits and helps build trust, solidarity, and peace between two countries that have experienced significant historical events.

In the joint statement to upgrade the Vietnam-US relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for peace, cooperation, and sustainable development, both countries agreed to enhance people-to-people exchange activities, promote two-way tourism, foster cooperation among businesses, and increase academic and professional exchanges. The two sides plan to strengthen collaboration between US states and Vietnamese provinces and cities in substantive and effective ways through specific programs and projects; promote relations among communities, industries, businesses, youth, and grassroots organizations through delegation exchanges, joint seminars, cultural exchanges in arts, music, and sports; and organize commemorative events related to bilateral relations.

To further strengthen the friendship between the two countries, the first Vietnam-USA Cultural Festival took place within the framework of Vietnam Family Day 2023, gathering hundreds of representatives from government agencies, non-governmental organizations, businesses, and thousands of citizens and tourists from both countries. A wide range of activities were held, from art exhibitions, and musical and traditional dance performances, to thematic workshops on education, economics, and science and technology. The event was an opportunity for citizens from both countries to explore and experience each other's cultures, while also laying a solid foundation for future cooperation in many fields.

Following this, on December 2, 2023, to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Vietnam-US Comprehensive Partnership (2013 - 2023) and implement the Vietnam-US Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for peace, cooperation, and sustainable development, the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations and the US Embassy in Vietnam co-organized a Vietnam-US cultural promotion and artistic exchange program at the Thang Long Imperial Citadel. The large-scale event attracted high-level representatives from various countries and many Vietnamese and international guests. Artworks displayed at the event reflected the creativity and cultural essence of both countries, offering fresh and profound insights into the diverse and unique cultures of Vietnam and the US. Through cultural exchange activities, the event helped enhance mutual understanding and respect, thereby strengthening the Vietnam-US friendship. In addition to cultural activities, many thematic workshops on education, economics, science, and technology were held, providing valuable information and opening up new cooperation opportunities that raised community awareness about preserving and promoting cultural and historical values, contributing to sustainable development in both countries.

Within the framework of Vietnamese Vice President Vo Thi Anh Xuan’s visit to the US and participation in the 68th Session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women in March 2024, the two countries signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to enhance cooperation in cultural exchange and people-to-people activities in arts, sports, and tourism. The MOU, based on an agreement from November 2023, aims to further promote academic exchange and two-way educational cooperation, including expanding educational partnerships between higher education institutions in both countries and facilitating increased connections between the two peoples. This marks a significant milestone in strengthening and developing the Vietnam-US Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. The signing of the MOU reflects both sides' commitment to building a comprehensive strategic partnership and opens new cooperation opportunities that contribute to sustainable development and peace in the region and the world. The MOU facilitates the organization of cultural and artistic exchange programs between the two countries, with strong support for art exhibitions, music performances, and artist exchanges. These efforts help citizens of both countries gain a deeper understanding of each other’s cultures and arts, thereby fostering mutual respect. Sports and tourism also play an important role in building lasting people-to-people relationships. Tourism brings economic benefits and serves as a cultural bridge, fostering sustainable friendship between the two countries. People-to-people relations have always played an essential role in strengthening and developing the Vietnam-US Comprehensive Strategic Partnership; enhancing people-to-people exchanges will help both countries bridge cultural, political, and economic differences, thereby creating a peaceful and sustainable cooperative environment.

Overall, cultural exchanges between Vietnam and the US have gone through several stages, from initial contacts during wartime, through periods of interruption and reconciliation, to comprehensive and vigorous development in modern times. Cultural integration between the two nations has intensified since the official normalization of relations in 1995, bringing tangible benefits but also presenting challenges that must be addressed. The achievements in Vietnam-US relations across various fields, especially in culture, are the result of sustained efforts by the leaders and peoples of both countries over nearly 30 years. These are the firm foundations on which the Vietnam-US Comprehensive Strategic Partnership will continue to grow more robustly and effectively in the coming time.

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