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Vietnam-US relations: A 25 year-journey

After twenty-five years of the normalization of relations and establishment of formal diplomatic ties between Vietnam and the United States, through the tireless efforts from both countries and nations, the two countries have become friends, and comprehensive partners in all areas, with broad prospects for cooperation in the future.

The following is the major part of an article on bilateral relations written by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of Vietnam-US diplomatic ties (July 12, 1995-July 12, 2020).
“From two former enemies, we have become friends, partners and comprehensive partners. History cannot be changed, but the future is our responsibility.”

Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong spoke during his visit to the US in 2015
“Trust is ever the bedrock of all relationships:  be they among individuals, groups, states or nations. Trust is built, nurtured and cultivated through concrete deeds that stem from goodwill and good faith. The reality of the relationship between Vietnam and the US illustrates this very fact. Vietnam seeks to ‘set aside the past, look towards the future’ and work with the U.S. to build a partnership on the principle of mutually beneficial cooperation, equality, respect for each other's political system, independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity. The tireless efforts from the two countries, and especially the two peoples, have seen the relationship between Vietnam and the US grow in both breadth and depth across all areas and levels, in the true spirit of a comprehensive partnership. 


So far Vietnam and the US have successfully organized 134 joint activities,
repatriating nearly 1,000 remains related to MIA (missing-in-action) soldiers. Photo: Doan Tan / VNA


The US Navy’s hospital ship, USNS Mercy, docked at the port of Nha Trang for a two-week mission
as part of Pacific Partnership 2018 (PP18) in Khanh Hoa province. Photo: Tien Minh / VNA


US Navy aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) and the guided-missile cruiser USS Bunker Hill (CG52)
arrived in the central coastal city of Da Nang in March. Photo: Quoc Dung / VNA


The General Electric Company from the US successfully played the role of contractor that supplied equipment
and supported the arrangement of capital for Bac Lieu wind farm project in Bac Lieu province. Photo: Cao Thang / VNA


The US Department of Agriculture officially recognized the equivalent of the food safety control system
(ATTP) of Vietnamese catfish being sent to America. Photo: VNA


Tien Thuan Garment Co.,Ltd in Ninh Thuan province
produces garment exports for the US market. Photo: Danh Lam / VNA
 

Manufacturing automobiles at the Ford Vietnam Company, a joint venture
between the Ford Motor Group and Song Cong Diesel Company. Photo: Tran Viet / VNA

Dragon fruit is a key agricultural export of Vietnam to the US. Photo: VNP

The essential and indispensable components of the ties between Vietnam and the US, which is enjoying a most robust and impressive growth, are economic, trade and investment cooperation. Starting at 450 million US dollars in 1995, the bilateral trade value has increased 170 times to 76 billion US dollars in 2019. The economies of Vietnam and the US have become increasingly complementary. The US continues to be Vietnam’s largest export market, involving various key Vietnamese exports such as seafood, textiles, footwear, and agricultural products. Conversely, Vietnam is also one of the fastest-growing export markets of the US, as Vietnamese consumers have become increasingly fond of “Made in the USA” products from agricultural produce to telecommunications, aviation, financial and banking services, and education.

Regarding investment, the United States is the  11th largest foreign investor in Vietnam with investments in diverse formats in 43 out of 63 Vietnamese cities and provinces. Many large American corporations have been operating effectively for many years, and are making plans to expand their footprints in Vietnam, helping Vietnam gradually secure its position in the regional and global supply chains.

Cooperation in science and technology is growing strong and expanding into many new fields. Various US tech giants are looking forward to stronger cooperation in areas of special interest to both countries, such as AI, innovative startups, renewables, IT infrastructure, and training of a high-quality workforce.  Following the establishment of diplomatic relations, cooperation in education and training grew by leaps and bounds. Starting at only about 500 in 1995, the number of Vietnamese students in the US has now exceeded 30,000, making Vietnam number 1 in ASEAN in numbers of students in the US. Furthermore, Vietnamese students also have the opportunity to study and do research at the Fulbright University Vietnam.

Tourism is another highlight in bilateral relations. The number of US tourists to Vietnam increases steadily on an annual basis. The US Travel Association voted Vietnam as one of the 10 most attractive destinations in the world in 2019. To US visitors, Vietnam is becoming a safe and friendly destination and a good venue for major international events.”
 
By VNP

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