30 years of Vietnam–US ties: Confidence in a bright future
Shear highlighted the significant strides made in the Vietnam–US relationship over the past three decades. Two-way trade has reached 150 billion USD, tens of thousands of Vietnamese students are studying and conducting research in the US, and robust people-to-people exchanges have continued to flourish.
Former US Ambassador to Vietnam David B. Shear speaks to the Vietnam News Agency's reporter in New York. (Photo: VNA)
New York (VNA) – On the occasion of th🦹e 30th anniversary of the normalisation🌞 of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and the US (July 12, 1995 – 2025, Vietnam time), former US Ambassador to Vietnam David B. Shear (2011–2014 tenure) and young Americans shared their views on the remarkable progress in the bilateral ties and expressed their confidence in a bright future for the partnership.
Speaking to the Vietnam News Agency (VNA)'s resident correspondent in New York, Shear highlighted the significant strides made in the Vietnam–US relationship over the past three decades. Two-way trade has reached 150 billion USD, tens of thousands of Vietnamese students are studying and conducting research in the US, and robust people-to-people exchanges have continued to flourish.
He noted that since Vietnam began its international integration, the country has made remarkable development steps, with an average annual GDP growth rate of over 6%, making it one of Southeast Asia’s most dynamic economies. Vietnam has also excelled in attracting foreign investment. Overall, the Vietnamese economy is resilient and expected to achieve even stronger growth in the future. The former ambassador expressed his belief that both countries will soon find ways to resolve current trade differences and further strengthen their cooperative ties across all sectors.
Meanwhile, Jonny. R, a student at Columbia University with a passion for historical studies, voiced his appreciation for how the US and Vietnam, once adversaries, have come together to build a strong and effective Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. He said the two nations have found a way to move beyond their past, narrow their differences, and deepen their ties.
Jonny. R expressed his hope that this momentum will continue, with both countries making further efforts to secure a bright future for the bilateral relations. Reflecting on Vietnam’s transformation after the war and 30 years since the normalisation of diplomatic ties, he praised the country’s impressive development and expressed his optimism about its future direction.
Amit Aharoni, a student at Columbia University, speaks to the Vietnam News Agency's reporter in New York. (Photo: VNA)
Amit Aharoni, another student at Columbia University, said he had previously only learned about Vietnam through books, newspaper and and documentaries. Now, 30 years after the normalisation of diplomatic ties, the growing friendship and deepening partnership between the two nations have inspired him to visit Vietnam and explore its history, culture, and people firsthand./.
Fifty years after the end of the war (1975–2025) and 30 years since the normalisation of relations (1995–2025), Vietnam and the US have come a long way, from former enemies to friends and partners, then to Comprehensive Strategic Partners in 2023, Ambassador Nguyen Quoc Dung said at a recent seminar titled “30 years of Vietnam-US diplomatic relations: The role of public-private partnerships” in Washington.
2025 marks the 30th anniversary of the normalisation of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and the United States (July 11, 1995 - US time; July 12, 1995 - Vietnam time). Over the past three decades, bilateral relations have grown robustly across multiple fields. The two countries established a Comprehensive Partnership in 2013, and upgraded ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in September 2023, opening a new chapter in bilateral cooperation.
“I personally do not think that we would have the relationship we do today, nor do I think Vietnam would be the safe, the secure, the stable, the prosperous country it is, if it weren't for the fact that it was the Vietnamese Government that trusted and said, ‘We want to help you,’” Director of the US Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) Kelly McKeague said.
Party General Secretary To Lam called on the criminal police force to accelerate the application of science, technology, artificial intelligence, and digital transformation in criminal investigation tasks such as crime prevention, detection, tracking and verification, ensuring that no area remains out of their reach.
Many Koreans living, studying, and working in Hanoi see the upcoming state visit to the Republic of Korea (RoK) by Party General Secretary To Lam as an opportunity to generate strong synergy in economic cooperation, people-to-people exchanges, and cultural understanding.
The achievements of the five decades of Vietnam–Angola cooperation provide a strong and enduring foundation, as well as momentum for the two sides to consolidate, expand, and bring their partnership into a new phase of development.
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh stressed that the emulation and commendation work is a vital driver, fostering patriotism, dedication, and collective momentum in the run-up to the 11th National Patriotic Emulation Congress, Party congresses at all levels, and the 14th National Party Congress.
Emphasising the need for sustainable, long-term collaboration, National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man called on Japanese investors not only to bring in capital but also to share expertise and modern technology, especially in areas such as green transformation, the circular economy, and advanced corporate governance.
President Luong Cuong's activities during his state visit to Angola, the celebration of the financial sector's 80th traditional day, and the Foreign Ministry's flag-hoisting ceremony marking the 58th founding anniversary of ASEAN are among news highlights on August 8.
Vietnamese Ambassador to Thailand Pham Viet Hung praised the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ meaningful initiative, noting that the ASEAN Family Run was not only a sporting activity but also an opportunity for diplomats and their families to show unity, connection, and solidarity within the ASEAN family.
Politburo member, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on August 8 attended the first congress of the Party Organisation of Tay Ho ward of Hanoi for the 2025–2030 term, during which he called for fresh momentum to turn the ward into a model that takes the lead in all fields.
The size of the economy increased from over 5 billion USD in 1986 to over 476 billion USD by 2024, making Vietnam the fourth-largest economy in Southeast Asia and the 34th largest in the world.
The ASEAN flag-hoisting ceremony is observed by the 10 ASEAN member countries on August 8 every year, aiming to spread and promote the ASEAN identity and affirm the determination to unite and cooperate for the common aspiration of long-term peace and prosperity of Southeast Asian countries under the common roof of the ASEAN Community.
Vice Chairman of the municipal People’s Committee Nguyen Manh Cuong highlighted ASEAN’s nearly six decades of development, during which the region transformed from division to harmony, from confrontation to cooperation, and from poverty to dynamic growth, becoming a global bright spot for regional cooperation.
Thirty years ago, on July 28, 1995, Vietnam’s accession to ASEAN marked a historic strategic decision, opening a new chapter in the country’s integration process and beginning its strong rise.
Ambassador Vu Le Thai Hoang has outlined specific priorities and proposals for cooperation with the UNODA in preparation for the upcoming 11th Review Conference of the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT).
The Vietnamese Party leader's visit is therefore expected to mark a new stage in the development of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two countries, with a focus on such areas as digital transformation, supply chains, semiconductors, clean energy, and maritime security, Choe assessed.
At their meeting, which took place in the Angolan capital of Luanda on August 7 as part of State President Luong Cuong’s ongoing state visit to the African nation, the two officials also agreed to make full use of existing cooperation mechanisms, particularly the Vietnam – Angola Intergovernmental Committee, and step up exchanges of delegations at all levels.
President Luong Cuong's talks with his Angolan counterrpart João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço, Vietnamese leader's receptions for a delegation from the Japan – Vietnam Parliamentary Friendship Alliance, and the Government's regular meeting for July are among news highlights on August 7 evening.
Over the past five decades, the Vietnam - Angola relationship has grown steadily, marked by political trust and close bonds between their Parties, States, Governments, and peoples, said Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son.
President Luong Cuong called on the two countries to join hands to promote South – South cooperation, contribute to building a fair and equal global political and economic order, safeguard independence and sovereignty, and promote extensive and substantive international solidarity and cooperation.
President Luong Cuong called on the community to remain united, integrate well into local society, adhere to local laws, and continue contributing to both Angola’s development and Vietnam – Angola relations.
Vietnamese President Luong Cuong and Speaker of the National Assembly (NA) of Angola Carolina Cerqueira agreed to continue strengthening political trust, boost high-level delegation exchanges via all channels, including the parliamentary one, and create favourable legal conditions for bilateral cooperation.
