The relationship between the United States and Vietnam is significant in its
difficult history and promising future. After 20 years of silence, the countries established diplomatic relations in 1995. Since then, the relationship has been strengthened through trade and dialogue on key issues including human rights and technology. Located in a region of dynamic economic growth, with a population of nearly 90 million people and land rich in natural resources, Vietnam is poised to play an ever increasing role on the global stage. As both countries look to maintain a strong presence in Southeast Asia, what are the benefits of a U.S.– Vietnam partnership? How does a partnership between the countries impact the future of Southeast Asia? What does China’s rise mean for relations between the U.S. and Vietnam? Join Ambassador Cuong for a discussion of current U.S.-Vietnam relations and what they may lead to in the next years.

H.E. Nguyen Quoc Cuong is Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Socialist Republic ofVietnam to the United States of America. Mr. Cuong is a career diplomat with vast experience in foreign affairs. He was appointed by President Nguyen Minh Triet as Ambassador to the United States in early 2011. Mr. Cuong served as Deputy Foreign Minister from 2008 to 2011 and Director-General, Executive Assistant to the Deputy Prime Minister from 2007 to 2008, among other leadership positions. During his 30-year career, Mr. Nguyen Quoc Cuong was posted twice to Vietnam’s missions abroad, one as Minister Counselor, DCM at the Embassy of Vietnam in Ottawa, Canada (2002-2005) and the other as Second Secretary in Beijing, China (1990-1993). Ambassador Cuong graduated from the University of Foreign Affairs in Vietnam and earned a MA in International Relations from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University.