Vietnam responds to report on US diplomats told to skip Reunification Day events

At a regular press briefing in Hanoi, ministry spokesperson Pham Thu Hang was asked about a report in The New York Times claiming that U.S. President Donald Trump's administration had told American diplomats to avoid events marking the 50th anniversary of the reunification of Vietnam.

Hang said Vietnamese authorities had not verified "the accuracy of this information reported by The New York Times."

"April 30 is a victory of conscience and justice, ending pain and loss not only for the Vietnamese people but also for many American families," Hang added. 

"Over the years, generations of Vietnamese and Americans have made great efforts to bring the two nations' relationship to where it stands today."

The spokesperson said the commemoration of April 30 is also an opportunity to honor values of forgiveness, peace, reconciliation and healing, and the spirit of moving beyond the past toward the future.

Vietnam and the United States normalized diplomatic relations in 1995, established a comprehensive partnership in 2013, and in 2023 elevated their ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership aimed at peace, cooperation, and sustainable development.

"The continued strong development of Vietnam-U.S. relations aligns with the shared interests and aspirations of the two peoples and contributes to peace, stability, cooperation, and development in the region and the world," Hang said.

Regarding international participation in the upcoming celebrations, Hang said many foreign delegations, including senior leaders, political parties, representatives of international organizations, peace movements and anti-war groups—including from the United States—had confirmed attendance at Vietnam's invitation.

When asked about the participation of military units from China, Laos, and Cambodia in a commemorative parade, Hang said the 50th anniversary of the liberation of southern Vietnam and national reunification is a highly significant event, not only for the Vietnamese people but also for international friends who supported Vietnam's struggle for independence.

"We welcome the participation of military delegations from Laos, Cambodia, and China in the parade, which reflects the increasingly strong bonds of friendship and cooperation between Vietnam and these countries," the spokesperson affirmed.