President Luong Cuong met with representatives of thousands of American friends of Vietnam on 22/9 in New York. The meeting coincided with his attendance at the United Nations General Assembly's 80th session and his working visit to the US, according to the Vietnam News Agency (TTXVN).

These individuals have a long history of supporting Vietnam during its struggle for national independence and reunification, addressing the consequences of war, and promoting US-Vietnam relations. They have also contributed to Vietnam's ongoing development.

President Luong Cuong and the delegates. Photo: TTXVN

Among them was Ani Toncheva, a member of the Communist Party USA, who has championed internationalism and opposed militarism. She has also been an active participant in struggles for labor rights and housing in New York City.

Also present were John McAuliff, Director of the Fund for Reconciliation and Development, who actively advocated for Vietnam during the 1973 Paris Peace Accords negotiations, and Todd Magee, CEO of Operation Smile, an organization that played a significant role in promoting the normalization of US-Vietnam relations.

They expressed admiration for Vietnam's progress, especially amid global uncertainty, and shared their contributions to healing the wounds of war for the Vietnamese people. These efforts include improving the lives of Agent Orange victims and bringing the people of the two countries closer together.

These initiatives helped normalize relations between Vietnam and the US, along with projects supporting disadvantaged children.

President Cuong expressed Vietnam's gratitude for the friendship and support of American peace advocates. He recalled the American citizens who supported Vietnam's just struggle and pushed for the end of the war. He also mentioned American veteran organizations that have overcome the past to return to Vietnam and contribute to healing the wounds of war.

President Luong Cuong shakes hands with long-time friends, partners, and progressive American people on 22/9. Photo: TTXVN

He emphasized that people-to-people diplomacy is a crucial aspect of the US-Vietnam relationship, serving as a solid social foundation, a catalyst for building trust, and a bridge connecting the two countries.

The President encouraged American friends and partners to connect businesses and localities, fostering cooperation in key economic areas such as trade, investment, science, technology, and innovation.

He also requested continued support for addressing war consequences, assisting victims of Agent Orange and unexploded ordnance, and gathering information to accelerate the search for missing Vietnamese soldiers.

President Cuong affirmed Vietnam's commitment to finding and repatriating the remains of American soldiers lost during the war, expressing his hope for continued contributions to the development of bilateral relations.

Ngoc Anh