This is one of the key activities in the series of events celebrating the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Viet Nam and the United States (July 12, 1995 - July 12, 2025), co-organized by the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations and the US Embassy in Viet Nam.
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| Overview of the meeting. (Photo: Ha Vy) |
According to the draft plan, the program in Can Tho is expected to take place on September 13, 2025, at Luu Huu Phuoc Park. The event will feature a wide range of practical activities aimed at strengthening friendship, as well as cultural and economic exchanges between the two countries, particularly between Can Tho City and US partners.
The highlight of the program will be an exhibition area with 25–30 booths showcasing key themes such as: Viet Nam- US relations throughout history; people-to-people diplomacy activities; operations of the U.S. diplomatic mission in Viet Nam; and US NGOs and businesses operating in Viet Nam.
In addition, the booths will introduce the culture, tourism, education, training, science, and technology of both countries; cooperation in reconciliation and post-war recovery; and iconic products from the United States and Viet Nam. Notably, local cultural and culinary products will also be on display, contributing to promoting the image of Can Tho and its people to international friends.
Alongside the exhibition, the program will feature cultural exchanges and artistic performances blending traditional and modern styles, combined with typical folk games from both Viet Nam and the US, creating a lively, friendly, and community-oriented atmosphere.
At the meeting, many delegates emphasized the event as a unique opportunity to showcase Can Tho’s strengths in agriculture, industry, trade, healthcare, education, and other sectors to US partners. This is seen as a chance to foster investment cooperation, expand trade relations, and enhance Can Tho’s position in international relations.
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| Le Thi Thanh Giang, Chairwoman of the Can Tho Union of Friendship Organizations, speaks at the meeting. (Photo: Ha Vy) |
Le Thi Thanh Giang, Chairwoman of the Can Tho Union of Friendship Organizations, affirmed that the program is an important people-to-people diplomacy activity, not only contributing to strengthening friendship and cooperation between Viet Nam in general and Can Tho in particular with the United States, but also laying the foundation for promoting cultural exchange and trade between the two sides.
“The program will provide opportunities for local residents, especially students, to learn more about US culture, land, and people, thereby broadening their horizons and development opportunities in the context of deeper international integration,” Giang shared.
Viet Nam and the US officially normalized relations on July 12, 1995. Over the past 30 years, bilateral ties have deepened significantly, achieving remarkable progress in politics, diplomacy, economy, trade, defense, security, and people-to-people exchanges.
Notably, in September 2023, the two countries officially upgraded their relationship to a “Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for Peace, Cooperation, and Sustainable Development.” This marked an important milestone, reflecting growing trust between the two nations. The United States has pledged to respect Viet Nam’s independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and political system, while supporting Viet Nam’s prosperous development in alignment with US interests in the region.
In economic terms, in 2024, bilateral trade turnover reached over USD 124 billion, making the country as Viet Nam’s largest export market. The two sides continue to strengthen cooperation in science and technology, education, innovation, climate change response, and particularly in overcoming the consequences of war.
People-to-people diplomacy between the two countries has become increasingly vibrant, serving as a solid bridge and creating a broad social foundation for the sustainable development of Viet Nam–US relations. Cultural, artistic, and educational exchange programs are regularly organized, fostering mutual understanding, trust, and friendship between the peoples of both nations.
The Viet Nam-US Friendship Festival 2025 will take place in several localities across the country, including Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh City, Can Tho, and Hanoi. It promises to be a major highlight of people-to-people diplomacy, contributing to further deepening the cooperative relationship between the two nations.
Source: Vietnamtimes
