28 APRIL-MAY 2025 | THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL PEACE, COOPERATION, AND GLOBAL PROGRESS 30 Years of VietnamU.S. Diplomacy ON THE U.S.-VIETNAM RELATIONSHIP The Vietnam-U.S. relationship shows that reconciliation and cooperation can overcome even the most profound historical challenges. BY H.E. NGUYEN QUOC DZUNG H.E. Nguyen Quoc Dzung, a career member of Vietnam’s Foreign Service for more than 30 years, is the ambassador of Vietnam to the United States, appointed in January 2022. He served as deputy foreign minister at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs from 2016 to 2022, and before that as assistant minister of foreign affairs and Director General. The relationship between Vietnam and the United States has navigated numerous historical challenges while achieving remarkable progress over the past 30 years since the normalization of diplomatic relations on July 11, 1995. The two countries have reached significant milestones, including the establishment of the Comprehensive Partnership in 2013 and its elevation to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2023. The VietnamU.S. relationship serves as a powerful testament to the spirit of reconciliation and healing between the two nations, exemplifying a model for promoting peace and cooperation in the future. From Adversaries to Strategic Partners The history of Vietnam-U.S. relations can be traced back over two centuries, marked by early diplomatic exchanges despite geographical and communication barriers. President Thomas Jefferson expressed interest in Vietnamese rice, and subsequently, American trading ships sought to establish cooperation with Vietnam. During World War II, the Việt Minh, led by Hồ Chí Minh, assisted stranded U.S. pilots, demonstrating goodwill between the two nations. Following Vietnam’s declaration of independence in 1945, President Hồ Chí Minh sent 14 letters to U.S. leaders seeking full cooperation. However, historical challenges led to prolonged hostilities, resulting in significant losses for both countries. Vietnam suffered the loss of more than 3 million lives and continues to grapple with the lasting legacies of war, such as the effects of Agent Orange. Meanwhile, the U.S. lost 58,000 soldiers, with many veterans facing long-term trauma as a result of their experiences. FOCUS
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy ODIyMDU=