On behalf of USAID, I am thrilled to celebrate the 10-year anniversary of the Comprehensive Partnership between the United States and Vietnam.
Earlier this year, I had the privilege of visiting Vietnam. I got to see the fruits of our partnership firsthand. I saw our work to overcome war legacies at Bien Hoa Air Base, where we are removing the last vestiges of Agent Orange from the surrounding soil. I visited two universities, Fulbright and Can Tho, where we are supporting Vietnam’s efforts to modernize higher education and equip leaders of the future. I spoke with fish farmers in the Mekong Delta, who are working with USAID to adapt their livelihoods as the warming climate threatens their farms.
Over the past decade, our relationship with Vietnam has blossomed into a deep partnership. And as we continue our essential work together to grapple with a changing climate, to safeguard global health, to provide relevant opportunities to young people, and to drive economic growth, I know the next ten years are going to usher in an even stronger partnership—driving progress and prosperity for the people of Vietnam.