On July 15, the US Embassy in Hanoi released a welcome video introducing newly appointed US Ambassador Jennifer Wicks as she officially began her diplomatic mission in Vietnam.
Opening the video, Ambassador Wicks said she was honored to represent the United States as Ambassador to Vietnam.
"President Trump and Secretary of State Rubio are clear about the Indo-Pacific’s geo-political and strategic importance, with Vietnam being one of our most critical partners in the region. A strong, independent, and resilient Vietnam is in the United States’ interest. And I plan to work every day to advance shared interests that make both of our countries more safe, secure, and prosperous", Ambassador Jennifer Wicks affirmed.
She then shared a few personal details about her background. The new US ambassador said she has served in the US government, working with both the military and the Department of State.
Reflecting on her early years, Ambassador Jennifer Wicks said she is of Korean heritage and was born and raised in a small town in the state of Minnesota.
"I spent summers camping on the shores of Lake Superior and visiting the Minnesota State Fair. My parents still live in a small town in Minnesota, about an hour south of the Twin Cities, a town that is home to two universities and surrounded by farms", Ambassador Jennifer Wicks said.
According to Ambassador Jennifer Wicks, a lifelong commitment to service, leadership and community has shaped who she is. These values, together with her passion for education and cultural exchange, are what she cherishes most and hopes to bring to her role as U.S Ambassador to Vietnam.
"I have visited Hoan Kiem lake, toured the Temple of Literature, and joined Vietnamese friends to celebrate a truly special milestone in American history – America’s 250th birthday. I look forward to advancing US interests in this vibrant bilateral relationship, focusing on deepening investment and rebalancing trade, expanding defense and security cooperation, and strengthening people-to people ties", Ambassador Jennifer Wicks stressed.
Speaking about her first meeting with General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee To Lam, she said: "We discussed the importance of continuing to advance the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between our two countries. The General Secretary said we don't have time to wait, and I couldn't agree more."
Concluding the video, Ambassador Jennifer Wicks emphasized: "With a broad, forward-looking agenda, our two countries have so much more we can accomplish together. But first, join me for a cup of Vietnamese iced milk coffee as we begin this exciting journey together".