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He started his speech by saying that he felt both thrilled and honored to be speaking to the students, the dynamic and energetic young generation of Vietnam.
“Today, the U.S.-Vietnam relationship is stronger than it has ever been. Our nations share a remarkable history: after years of war and hardship, together we have forged a Comprehensive Partnership that covers every aspect of our relationship, from defense, to trade, to health, to people-to-people ties”, said Ambassador Kritenbrink.
Pete Peterson, the first U.S. Ambassador to Vietnam, played a vital role in promoting the bilateral relationship as he was appointed by former President Bill Clinton in July 1997, J. Kritenbrink said. As the incumbent Ambassador of the U.S. to Vietnam, Kritenbrink promised to do his best to nurture good relations between the two countries. “I’m incredibly optimistic about our shared future together, particularly when you think about how far we’ve come already”.
Regarding the policies of the U.S. in the Indo-Pacific region, Ambassador Daniel J. Kendenbrink outlined the U.S. priorities in Vietnam as well as ways to build a strong partnership in an increasingly unstable world.
“The United States continues to believe that Asia, the Indo-Pacific, is largely going to define America’s security and prosperity for the future. Our mission statement, our fundamental goal, is for the United States to be a vital partner in supporting the development of a strong, prosperous, and independent Vietnam that contributes to international security, engages in free, fair, and reciprocal trade, and respects human rights and the rule of law”.
Responding to a question about the future of the Indo-Pacific policy after the U.S. mid-term election earlier this month, Ambassador Kritenbrink asserted that the U.S. has long-term interests in the region and the results of the election will not have a major impact on U.S. foreign policy for Vietnam in particular and the countries of the Indo-Pacific region in general.
Additionally, Ambassador Kritenbrink emphasized that the South China Sea has an important role for the U.S. in many aspects and the US prioritizes freedom of navigation in the South China Sea. “The U.S. respects the declaration of nations in the context of international law and supports the settlement of maritime disputes by peaceful means, in accordance with international law”, the Ambassador said.
Hanoi University students and lecturers also engaged in a dynamic Q&A session with Ambassador Kritenbrink after his speech, showing their strong interest in the U.S.-Vietnam relationship.
