US ambassador marks key milestones in Vietnam-US ties in 2025

In the video, the ambassador reviewed progress across a wide range of areas, including education, culture, trade, technology, defense and security, war legacy remediation, and support for disaster response.

He opened his remarks by underscoring the significance of 2025, noting that three decades of diplomatic ties have been marked by "many meaningful moments that reflect the strength and growth of the bilateral partnership."

Education, culture, defense ties strengthen

According to Ambassador Knapper, cooperation in higher education has seen notable progress, highlighted by the largest-ever delegation of U.S. universities visiting Vietnam to promote academic exchanges and institutional partnerships.

U.S. institutions continue to attract Vietnamese students, making Vietnam the fifth-largest source of international students in the U.S, with around 36,000 currently studying there.

With over 9,000 Vietnamese alumni of U.S. government-sponsored exchange programs, the U.S. Embassy hosted its largest-ever alumni gathering, bringing together multiple generations of leaders, scholars, and Vietnamese friends to honor their contributions to bilateral relations.

Cultural celebrations were held nationwide marking the 30th anniversary of diplomatic ties, including four friendship festivals and a special collaboration with Vietnamese rapper Suboi on the music video ‘Never Before,’ celebrating the bond between the two peoples.

The ambassador also addressed the publication of a special report, ‘Vietnam Matters for America, America Matters for Vietnam,’ which uses data and statistics to illustrate the depth of bilateral cooperation.

In defense and security, Knapper pointed to key developments such as the completion of the transfer of 12 T-6C trainer aircraft to Vietnam’s Air Defense–Air Force and the delivery of a third patrol vessel to the Vietnam Coast Guard.

He also cited the November visit to Hanoi by U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, along with port calls in December by the U.S. Navy’s 7th Fleet vessels USS Tripoli and USS Robert Smalls in Da Nang.

Two annual dialogues on defense-security cooperation and law enforcement were held in Washington in September and December.

In recent months, the U.S. has provided US$1.75 million to support Vietnam’s response to natural disasters in the northern and central regions.

The two sides also organized the first Pacific Partnership program between the U.S. Army Pacific and Quang Tri Province, inaugurated an explosive ordnance disposal training range at the Vietnam National Mine Action Center in Hanoi’s Ba Vi, and continued progress on dioxin remediation at Bien Hoa Airbase in southern Dong Nai Province.

U.S. stays Vietnam’s top buyer

On the economic front, Ambassador Knapper noted that bilateral trade has continued to grow, surpassing US$150 billion in 2024.

The U.S. remains Vietnam’s largest export market and its second-largest trading partner.

More than 100 Vietnamese companies attended the 11th SelectUSA Investment Summit in Maryland, setting a record for participation.

The two countries have also maintained close cooperation in agricultural trade and food safety, with Vietnam ranking as the world’s 10th-largest importer of U.S. agricultural products.

In addition, cooperation in digital technology is expanding.

U.S. government programs and companies including Meta, Google, NVIDIA, Qualcomm, and AWS working alongside Vietnamese ministries, universities, and startups to enhance AI infrastructure, develop talent, and accelerate digital transformation.

Looking ahead, Ambassador Knapper reaffirmed the shared commitment to further deepen the partnership and continue cooperation toward a safer, more secure, and more prosperous future for both countries and the broader Indo-Pacific region.

He concluded by wishing audiences "a safe, joyful, and inspiring New Year."