“Hello everyone! As 2025 draws to a close, we come together to celebrate a very special milestone: 30 years of Vietnam–U.S. diplomatic relations. This year has been filled with meaningful moments that demonstrate the strength and growth of our bilateral partnership,” Ambassador Knapper said in fluent Vietnamese in a video posted by the U.S. Embassy in Hanoi Tuesday.
In higher education, Knapper noted that the largest-ever delegation of U.S. universities visited Vietnam this year to promote academic exchange and cooperation. U.S. educational institutions continue to attract Vietnamese students, making Vietnam the fifth-largest source of international students in the United States, with about 36,000 currently studying there.
U.S. Ambassador to Vietnam Marc Knapper speaks of bilateral relations in a video posted on Dec. 30, 2025 by the U.S. Embassy in Hanoi.
In the cultural sphere, a series of commemorative events was held, including four Friendship Festivals across Vietnam. The United States also published a special report titled “Vietnam Matters for America, America Matters for Vietnam,” using data and statistics to highlight the depth of bilateral cooperation.
In defense and security, the ambassador highlighted key milestones, including the completion of the transfer of 12 T-6C training aircraft to the Vietnam Air Defense–Air Force and the delivery of a third patrol vessel to the Vietnam Coast Guard.
Other notable developments included U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth’s visit to Hanoi in November and port calls by the USS Tripoli and USS Robert Smalls in Da Nang in December. Vietnam and the United States also held two important annual dialogues on defense-security cooperation and law enforcement in Washington in September and December.
The bilateral partnership also expanded into humanitarian assistance, particularly in response to storm and flood damage in northern and central Vietnam. Over the past few months, the United States has provided Vietnam with $1.75 million in aid, Knapper said.
The two countries also launched the first “Pacific Partnership” program between the U.S. Army in the Pacific and Quang Tri Province, focusing on enhancing medical readiness and disaster response capabilities.
They jointly inaugurated an explosive ordnance disposal training range at the Vietnam National Mine Action Center in Ba Vi, Hanoi and continued to make progress in addressing dioxin contamination at Bien Hoa airport.
Knapper said economic cooperation continued to grow in 2025, with the U.S. remaining Vietnam’s leading export market and its second-largest trading partner. Vietnam is also the world’s 10th-largest importer of U.S. agricultural products.
The two sides are working closely on digital technology through U.S. government and corporate programs to expand AI infrastructure, train talent, and accelerate national digital transformation.
“Looking ahead to the coming year, let us remain committed to deepening our partnership and continuing to work together for a safer, more secure, and more prosperous future for both our nations and the Indo-Pacific region. I wish you all a safe, joyful, and exciting New Year,” Ambassador Knapper said.
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