Speaking at the opening ceremony, Dong Huy Cuong, Vice President of the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organisations (VUFO), reviewed the course of bilateral relationship, describing it as a typical model of reconciliation in contemporary international relations, in which former adversaries have reached the highest level of partnership as “Comprehensive Strategic Partners.” He stressed that Vietnam and the US are building an equal, mutually beneficial cooperation for peace, collaboration, and development in the region and the world.

He further underlined that cultural and educational exchanges, along with people-to-people diplomacy, have laid a sustainable foundation for nurturing mutual understanding, trust, and friendship between the peoples of both countries. These, he said, are among the key pillars of the Vietnam–US Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for peace, cooperation, and sustainable development.
For her part, Melissa A. Brown, US Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City, described the friendship festival as a vivid demonstration of the strength of the partnership and dynamic people-to-people diplomacy. She emphasised that such ties lie at the very heart of Vietnam–US relations, with the festival showcasing how the two nations can join hands to create opportunities for learning, cooperation, and shared joy, reflecting not only government-to-government cooperation but also the deep bonds between their people in building a brighter future together.

The event drew thousands of participants, many of them students and young people in HCM City, who joined in cultural and sports exchanges, traditional folk games from both countries, American cuisine tastings, and exhibitions showcasing achievements in the development of Vietnam–US diplomatic relations.

The US–Vietnam Friendship Festival is part of a series of events celebrating the 30th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries, taking place in Da Nang, HCM City, Can Tho, and Hanoi./.