THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL | APRIL-MAY 2025 27 missing American military and bring them home has been one of the most meaningful aspects of my work in Vietnam. Through a separate effort, known as the Vietnam Wartime Accounting Initiative, we are also now helping Vietnam locate, gather, and identify Vietnamese personnel killed during the war. With the help of Harvard University, we also return archival research and personal effects of Vietnamese soldiers to veterans and their family members. For some, these artifacts are among the only personal effects that remain of their loved ones. Witnessing these artifacts being returned is a solemn reminder of the human cost of conflict and the healing power of reconciliation. And this work, collectively, has helped to build trust and mutual understanding between the United States and Vietnam in ways that have enabled us to expand bilateral cooperation in key areas such as defense, law enforcement, education, and trade. A Partnership for the Future Despite our progress, the United States and Vietnam do not always see eye to eye on every issue, but we address these differences respectfully and frankly. Our annual human rights Ambassador Marc Knapper (second from right) and the U.S. embassy delegation visit Tuyen Quang, the birthplace of the U.S.-Vietnam friendship, where 80 years ago the OSS “Deer Team” landed to cooperate with Vietnam during World War II, February 2025. dialogue reflects this approach. While raising our concerns about the human rights situation in Vietnam, we emphasize respect and seek to identify areas of collaboration such as religious freedom, the rule of law, and legal reform. What has consistently driven growth in this relationship is the willingness on both sides to seek areas of cooperation, despite our differing political systems and our painful past. As ambassador, I believe that to truly strengthen our ties, we must engage deeply and directly with the people and leaders of Vietnam. This commitment has taken me to 45 of the country’s 63 provinces, where I’ve had the privilege of meeting provincial officials, joining U.S.-Vietnam friendship events, and witnessing the shared optimism for our future by engaging with young people. In all my visits, my hosts express enthusiasm and excitement for more partnership, more collaboration in education, and more engagement with Americans. In this spirit, we will celebrate 30 years of bilateral relations with a series of friendship festivals, visits to U.S. companies, and other anniversary events throughout the country. The ongoing construction of our new embassy campus, set for completion in 2030, symbolizes our enduring relationship with Vietnam. We are lucky to have many members of Mission Vietnam who, like me, have served here multiple times. But as I can attest, we have never served in the “same” Vietnam twice, because this country is growing and changing fast. Leading this country team to advance our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with Vietnam feels like the fulfillment of what was always possible. As we celebrate 30 years of U.S.-Vietnam relations, I am confident our next chapter will bring even greater achievements that make our countries safer, stronger, and more prosperous. Follow us @USEmbassyVietnam on Instagram and Facebook to join the journey. n Ambassador Marc Knapper speaks to maritime law enforcement officers during boarding officer course at An Thoi Port in Phu Quoc, December 2024. U.S. EMBASSY HANOI U.S. EMBASSY HANOI
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