New York, September 23, 2025 — The Europe Today: State President of Vietnam, Lương Cường, has underscored the enduring gratitude of the Vietnamese Party, State, and people toward American friends and peace-loving citizens for their valuable support during Vietnam’s struggle for national independence, reunification, and ongoing nation-building and defence efforts.
President Cường made the remarks while meeting with longtime friends, partners, and progressive Americans who have supported Vietnam over decades of struggle, reconciliation, and development. The meeting took place as part of his official visit to the United States to attend the High-level General Debate of the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 80) and to conduct bilateral engagements.
Highlighting the significance of the gathering, the Vietnamese leader noted that it coincided with the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations and the second anniversary of the Vietnam–US Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. He recalled the contributions of individuals such as Merle Ratner and Morrison, as well as American veterans and organizations who helped heal war wounds, supported Agent Orange victims, and participated in efforts to locate missing soldiers.
“Leaving the past behind, overcoming differences, and moving toward the future,” President Cường said, the Vietnam–US relationship has achieved remarkable development over the past three decades, with Vietnam emerging as an important trading partner of the United States. The elevation of bilateral ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for Peace, Cooperation, and Sustainable Development in September 2023 marked a historic milestone, making the Vietnam–US relationship a model of reconciliation in international relations, he added.
The President emphasized that people-to-people exchanges form a crucial pillar of bilateral relations, fostering trust, bridging hearts, and consolidating social foundations that support the broader partnership.
President Cường also highlighted Vietnam’s historic transformations over the past 80 years, particularly following nearly four decades of Đổi mới (Renewal), which have turned the country from a war-torn, embargoed nation into a dynamic economy ranked 32nd globally and among the world’s top 20 trading nations. Vietnam maintains diplomatic relations with 194 countries, and strategic and comprehensive partnerships with 38 nations, including all five permanent members of the UN Security Council, while actively participating in over 70 international organizations.
Looking ahead, he shared that Vietnam will hold its 14th National Party Congress in early 2026, a milestone toward achieving the nation’s goals of becoming an upper-middle-income country by 2030 and a developed, high-income nation by 2045. He reiterated Vietnam’s steadfast foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, peace, cooperation, friendship, development, and proactive international integration.
President Cường called on American partners to continue supporting Vietnam, particularly in fostering cultural and people-to-people ties, promoting economic cooperation, and addressing the lingering consequences of war. He emphasized the importance of further collaboration in treating dioxin-contaminated areas, clearing unexploded ordnance, assisting Agent Orange victims, and accelerating the search for missing Vietnamese soldiers. Vietnam also remains fully committed to supporting US efforts to locate its missing servicemen.
Describing Vietnam as a safe, attractive investment destination and a peace-loving, resilient nation, President Cường expressed hope that American partners will continue contributing to Vietnam’s growth and the strengthening of the Vietnam–US Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
Participants at the event praised Vietnam’s achievements under the leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam, lauding the country’s resilience and dynamism amid global uncertainties. Many shared personal memories of visiting Vietnam, highlighting its hospitality, peace-loving nature, and rising international prestige.
