Mr Michael Michalak
In his swearing-in speech, Ambassador Michalak said US-Vietnam relations are developing well in many fields and creating momentum for deeper relations in the future.

On August 10, the US Department of State organised a swearing-in ceremony for new US Ambassador to Vietnam Michael Michalak in the Washington-based US Department of State Headquarters in the presence of the first Deputy Secretary of State John Negroponte, Vietnamese Ambassador to the US Nguyen Tam Chien and other high-ranking officials.

Speaking at the ceremony, Mr Michalak thanked the US President, Congress and US Department of State for the trust put in him in his role as US Ambassador to Vietnam and expressed honour in his capacity as the fourth US Ambassador to Vietnam. He also recalled the good memories of the Vietnamese land and people during his tour of Vietnam as the US Ambassador at the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation Forum (APEC) in collaboration with Vietnamese partners to prepare for the 14th APEC Summit in Hanoi in 2006.

Mr Michalak regarded Vietnam as “A new tiger in Asia” which records the fastest economic development growth among ASEAN member countries.

With the developing investment environment in Vietnam and the signing of the Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) between the two countries, US-Vietnam economic and trade ties will continue to be promoted, said Mr Michalak.

In regard to bilateral cooperation in education and training, the US diplomat said the target of doubling the number of Vietnamese students at US Universities in the next three years is fully within reach and even higher. Joint efforts to conduct the rounds of negotiations between the US and Vietnam testified to the increased mutual trust and stronger development of bilateral relations.

Mr Michalak also mentioned the goal of expanding bilateral cooperation in overcoming the war aftermath, providing medical assistance and other fields.

Ambassador Michael Michalak is expected to arrive in Hanoi later next week.

Source: VOV