US - Viet Nam Relations

Rooted in the Philosophy of "More Friends, Fewer Enemies"

The history of the Union is intrinsically linked to the arduous yet heroic early days of the revolution. On November 17, 1950, from the Viet Bac War Zone, President Ho Chi Minh sent a letter to the founding Congress of the Vietnam Committee for the Defense of World Peace—the predecessor of today’s VUFO. This date has since become the celebrated Traditional Day for those dedicated to people-to-people diplomacy.

From those nascent stages, President Ho Chi Minh—honored by the Congress as the "Number One Fighter for Peace"—laid the ideological foundation with the guiding principle: "Vietnam wants to be friends with all countries". During the resistance against colonialism (1945-1954), the first people-to-people diplomatic organizations, such as the Vietnam-US Friendship Association, and friendship associations with China and the Soviet Union, were established. These organizations created a flexible yet powerful diplomatic front. Their activities played a crucial role in mobilizing international support for Vietnam, creating positive public pressure that led to the signing of the Geneva Accords in 1954.

The Power of Solidarity in Wartime and Reconstruction

Entering the resistance against imperialism (1954-1975), people-to-people diplomacy formed an unprecedentedly broad front. Under the Party's leadership, operations in both the North and South were coordinated seamlessly under the motto "two halves, one mission," maximizing support from the socialist bloc and peace-loving people worldwide, including progressives in the United States.

Following the Great Spring Victory of 1975, as the country entered an era of peace and socialist construction, VUFO continued its mission of "paving the way" to break sieges and embargoes. Notably, Resolution No. 13 of the Politburo (6th Tenure) in 1988 marked a turning point in diplomatic thinking toward "multilateralization and diversification," opening doors to expand relations with Northwestern European countries, Japan, and gradually normalize relations with the US.

A New Stature in the Era of Integration

In the Doi Moi (Renewal) era, people-to-people diplomacy has truly become a sharp spearhead in international integration. In 1994, the name "Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations" was officially decided by the Government, affirming its role as a specialized core force.

VUFO's growth today is evidenced by a robust organizational system with 117 member organizations, including 65 central friendship associations and 52 local unions, connecting with a network of over 1,200 international partners. Beyond friendship exchanges, the Union plays a practical role in socio-economic development. From 1996 to 2020 alone, VUFO mobilized over $5.1 billion in foreign non-governmental organization (INGO) aid, averaging about $260 million annually. These telling figures have translated into thousands of poverty reduction, healthcare, and education projects across the country.

Notably, amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, VUFO vividly demonstrated Vietnam's humanitarian spirit by mobilizing support and medical equipment worth over 10 billion VND to assist international friends. This initiative not only provided timely assistance but also earned the National External Information Service Award (6th edition), reaffirming the image of a responsible and compassionate Vietnam.

Information-sharing conference with central-level member organizations hosted by the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organization (VUFO).

Vision 2025: Writing the Next Golden Chapter

The year 2025 marks not only the 75th Anniversary of VUFO's Traditional Day but also coincides with significant national milestones, including the 95th anniversary of the Party's founding, the 80th National Day, and the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South. In this context, VUFO has charted strategic steps to rise to new opportunities.

Alongside ceremonial activities, VUFO will bolster its role in multilateral forums, continuing to contribute initiatives to the World Peace Council, the ASEAN People's Forum (APF), and the Asia-Europe People's Forum (AEPF), thereby affirming Vietnam's voice and stature on the international stage.

In the realm of non-governmental cooperation, the Union is committed to a strong shift toward sustainable aid mobilization. Beyond traditional sectors like healthcare and education, aid flows will be directed toward modern priorities such as digital transformation, green growth, and climate change response. Furthermore, large-scale people-to-people exchange activities with neighboring countries and comprehensive strategic partners will be vigorously implemented, particularly through series of events celebrating major anniversaries of diplomatic relations. External information work will also be amplified on digital platforms to spread the image of a friendly, peace-loving, and dynamic Vietnam to friends across five continents.

Looking back on the 75-year journey, guided by President Ho Chi Minh's philosophy of "immutable principles, adaptable methods," the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations has excellently fulfilled its historical mission. With the motto "proactive, flexible, creative, and effective," VUFO continues to march forward as a steadfast bridge of friendship, contributing to building a solid social foundation for Vietnam's international relations and serving the cause of national construction and defense in the new era.