HANOI, August 7, 2015 -- Today, the U.S. Embassy, in cooperation its Vietnamese government partners, held a signature event entitled “Advancing Prosperity: Twenty Years of U.S.-Vietnam Development Cooperation,” to highlight key achievements since the normalization of the diplomatic relations between the two countries in 1995 and outline the agenda for future cooperation.

The event, organized by United States Agency for International Development (USAID), featured keynote addresses by U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and Vietnam’s Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh, as well as participation by U.S. Ambassador Ted Osius, USAID/Vietnam Mission Director Joakim Parker, leaders of the Ministries of Planning and Investment, Foreign Affairs, representatives of civil society, entrepreneurs, development experts, university thought-leaders, development partners and media representatives.

The event began with an overview of what has been achieved in the field of development cooperation over the past 20 years, focusing on successes in governance, trade, health and disability sectors through the efforts of both public and private actors. There was also a panel discussion on the topic ‘Transforming Lives: a retrospective look at past experiences and future cooperation.”

This year the United States and Vietnam celebrate the 20th anniversary of the normalization of relations. This historic milestone coincides with a period of impressive growth in Vietnam, including notable advances in reducing poverty, improving access to education and health, and expanding economic opportunity.

The United States began assistance in Vietnam in 1989 under the War Victims Fund established through the leadership of Senator Patrick Leahy. Since then, assistance has grown and broadened greatly, covering the fields of education, governance and economic growth, environment and climate change, health (HIV/AIDs and avian influenza) and vulnerable populations.

For photos of the event, visit: https://flic.kr/s/aHskhEDovS