The opening ceremony was attended by representatives from Vietnamese ministries and agencies, leaders from Quang Ngai province, and around 200 personnel from the navies, air forces, doctors, and experts from the U.S., the U.K., Australia, and Chile. It also saw the presence of the Ambassadors of the U.S. and Australia to Vietnam, the U.S. Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City, and members of the diplomatic missions of the U.S. and Australia in the Southeast Asian country.
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Quang Ngai leaders present flowers to representatives of units participating in the 2024 Program on Pacific Partnership and Pacific Angel. |
Affirming that this is one of Quang Ngai’s most significant foreign affairs events in 2024, Vice Chairman of the provincial People's Committee Vo Phien, who is head of the organizing board, said that the event aims to enhance international cooperation; improve disaster response and humanitarian support capabilities; foster mutual understanding, people-to-people exchanges, and local cooperation; and contribute to strengthening the Vietnam-US comprehensive strategic partnership.
Emphasizing that Vietnam is always an important partner in the Pacific Partnership program, U.S. Consul General Susan Burns stated that this marks the first time that the U.S. Navy’s Pacific Partnership and the U.S. Air Force's Pacific Angel have collaborated to support a strong, prosperous, resilient, and independent Vietnam.
The event is part of a series of activities in celebration of the 30th anniversary of the U.S.-Vietnam diplomatic relations (July 12, 1995 - 2025), and comes a year after the U.S. and Vietnam elevated their bilateral relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership level.
PP&PA-24, which will last to August 30, includes 60 activities in the fields of health, construction, humanitarian aid, and disaster relief. Soldiers of the U.S. Navy and Air Force are expected to help renovate schools and health clinics, provide humanitarian support and disaster response training, exchange medical experiences, and participate in air performances and community exchange activities across Quang Ngai.
Source: VNA