Scholar stresses importance of trust in Vietnam-US ties

Dr. Nguyen Hong Hai, a Fulbright scholar based in the American University. (Photo: VNA)

Washington D.C. (VNA) - Trust has been the most important factor in boosting Vietnam-US relations over the past 30 years, according to Dr. Nguyen Hong Hai, a Fulbright scholar based in the American University (AU).

Without trust, it would be difficult to have the substantive relationship the two countries have today, and trust has been developed and built on the determination to overcome and solve war legacies, Hai said in an interview granted to a Vietnam News Agency correspondent in Washington D.C. on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the normalisation of the bilateral ties (July 11 – US time, or July 12 – Vietnam time).

He assessed that to date, although the two countries have normalised relations for 30 years and have reached the level of a comprehensive strategic partnership, the settlement of war legacies still forms the foundation and the basis for building trust, especially in the context that there are still many victims of Agent Orange, a large number of unexploded bombs and mines, and large areas contaminated by dioxin in Vietnam.

The scholar said he believes that if these issues are not addressed thoroughly, trust - the foundation of Vietnam–US relations - will be affected.

Therefore, he expressed his hope that the US will fully resume its assistance programmes, thereby reinforcing trust and promoting the sustainable development of bilateral relations.

Economic cooperation serves as a pillar in bilateral relations, Hai stated, affirming that investment by both US and Vietnamese businesses will be key to strengthening ties between the two countries. In addition, there are other cooperation areas such as defence, politics, diplomacy, both bilateral and multilateral.

Regarding the prospects for Vietnam–US cooperation in the coming time, he said that the development of bilateral relations must originate from the genuine awareness and needs of both sides.

According to him, it is important for Vietnam to recognise the role and position of the US within its overall foreign policy and national security interests. Meanwhile, the US also needs to clearly determine the role Vietnam plays in its own national strategy and interests. Therefore, this relationship should be shaped from their practical needs and strategic vision.

He went on by remarking that Vietnam’s economic development is closely linked with the US economy, while for the American country, Vietnam is a large and promising market with a population of 100 million. Additionally, Vietnam’s role in Southeast Asia and, more broadly, in the Indo-Pacific region cannot be overlooked. On this basis, the researcher expressed optimism about the future prospects of the bilateral relationship./.

VNA