Embassy Highlights 2006

English Language Teaching Program Workshop

Training the English Language Trainers in Haiphong

December 28, 2006, English Language Fellow Bernice Clark presented two workshop sessions for Hai Phong English teachers at the Hai Phong American Corner. The focus was classroom management theory, combined with practical application techniques. The 52 participants discussed management techniques used by effective teachers and how to use them to improve their own classes. Introducing various classroom games and activities, Bernice showed the English teachers the role of these fun and interactive tools in effective teaching. The workshops were enthusiastically received by the teachers who will implements these new programs to enhance their English language training.

Digital Video Conference on English Teaching

English teachers play a key role in Vietnam’s international integration

Fourty key lecturers of English from major universities in Hanoi attended the 90-minute Digital Video Conference (DVC) at PAS Hanoi on December 12, 2006.  The DVC was conducted from PAS Bangkok, with the participation of PAS Hanoi, PAS HCMC and American Corner Nakorn Si Thammarat (Thailand).  The speaker, Thailand-based English Language Fellow William Heaton, focused on six task-based learning activities as a way to make one’s lessons more enriching and effective via lively discussions and teamwork among students.  Despite the technical problem toward the end of the event, the Hanoi participants, interestingly all females and most of them being first time PAS visitors, were very excited and pleased with the event.  They all left wishing to participate in more professional enrichment activities like this.  They were hosted by APAO Angela Aggeler who recognized their important role in Vietnam’s international integration and emphasized the embassy’s commitment to English language instruction in Vietnam.

English-language Contest for Students of Hai Phong City 

U.S. Ambassador Marine, Haiphong Vice President Hoang Van Ke and contestants at the award ceremony

U.S. Embassy Hanoi and Haiphong People’s Committee co-organized a second successful English-language Contest for Haiphong university students.  Contestants discussed themes such as US-Vietnam relations, APEC, and Vietnam's WTO accession. The contest was hosted by Haiphong Private University, with participants from Haiphong University, Haiphong Private University, Haiphong University of Medicine, Vietnam Maritime University, Haiphong Community College and Vietronic College. Haiphong University won the First Team Prize and First Prize in the English Essay Contest. A very happy Haiphong Private University student carried off the First Prize in Extemporaneous Speech Contest. The Ambassador and the Vice Chairman of the People's Committee presented trophies, certificates, and IIP publications at the award ceremony.  The event was broadly covered by local media. The first English contest was held last year to commemorate the 10th Anniversary of the Normalization of U.S.-Vietnam relations.

Exhibition by Painter Nguyen Trong Kien 

Ambassador Michael W. Marine spoke at the exhibition opening.

The World of Dolls Crying is the title of the exhibition by Painter Nguyen Trong Kien, sponsored by the U.S. Embassy and the United Gospel Outreach Church.  The exhibition consists of 57 recent paintings by Kien, depicting his compassion for the children living with HIV/AIDS whom he has shared his talents and time, teaching them to paint over the last two years.  The exhibition is open from December 1-10, 2007 at #45 Trang Tien Street, Hanoi.  This is part of a series of events held in Vietnam to mark World AIDS Day and to call for increased efforts to fight stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV/AIDS.  All proceeds from the sale of the paintings at the exhibition will be used by the painter (himself living with HIV/AIDS) to assist the disadvantaged children and women living with HIV/AIDS.

President Bush Meets with President Nguyen Minh Triet of Vietnam 

President George W. Bush and Mrs. Laura Bush join Viet President Nguyen Minh Triet and Mrs. Tran Thi Kim Chi in the Great Hall of the Presidential Palace Friday, Nov. 17, 2006, after arriving in Hanoi for the 2006 APEC Summit. White House photo by Eric Draper

THE PRESIDENT: Mr. President, thank you very much for your hospitality. Laura and I have been struck by the friendliness of the people of Vietnam. In our drive through this beautiful city we were pleased to see thousands of your citizens with smiles on their faces. And we're so grateful.

President George W. Bush and Mrs. Laura Bush join Viet President Nguyen Minh Triet and Mrs. Tran Thi Kim Chi in the Great Hall of the Presidential Palace Friday, Nov. 17, 2006, after arriving in Hanoi for the 2006 APEC Summit. White House photo by Eric Draper I've been reading and studying about your country and I have seen now firsthand the great vibrancy and the excitement that's taking place in Vietnam. You're like a young tiger, and I look forward to continuing to work to make sure our bilateral relations are close. And thank you for hosting APEC. And thank you for hosting a dinner for us tonight, we're really looking forward to it.

Joint Statement Between Socialist Republic of Vietnam and The United States of America

President Nguyen Minh Triet of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam was pleased to welcome United States President George W. Bush to Vietnam. Looking back on the June 2005 Joint Statement by President Bush and then Prime Minister Phan Van Khai, both leaders expressed satisfaction at the progress the bilateral relationship has made, resulting in a U.S.-Vietnam relationship today that is multi-faceted and forward looking. It encompasses significant and growing trade and economic ties, an emerging military-to-military relationship, successful cooperation on health and development issues, growing cultural and educational links, a commitment to resolving remaining issues stemming from the war, a shared interest in ensuring peace, stability, and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region, and frank and candid discussion of differences. The two sides reaffirmed their efforts to ensure that bilateral relations are stable, constructive, broad-based, and conducted on the basis of sovereign equality and mutual benefit. more ...

Secretary Rice in Vietnam to Participate in Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit

U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice is joined by Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Aso for a bilateral meeting during APEC 2006, Hanoi, Vietnam.

Secretary Rice (Nov.15):   "I can remember on a number of occasions going to APEC and being really impressed by the fact that it sweeps really from Chile up through northeast Asia. And these are very dynamic economies. They're largely economies that are committed to open markets, to free trade. And so it's in that sense a very interesting agenda.

It's also an organization that in recent years has been more devoted to more issues of security, particularly terrorism, and it is an organization that also has learned to cooperate on issues like Avian Flu." more ...

 

U.S. Ambassador Michael Marine Signs Grant To Preserve Devotional Objects at the National Museum of Vietnamese History

Ambassador Marine signing the grant with Director Pham Quoc Quan

U.S. Ambassador Michael Marine signed a grant October 26 for $21,000 to restore and preserve 70 religious and devotional objects.  The grant is part of the Ambassador’s Fund for Cultural Preservation.

This eight month project will be conducted by experts in the Preservation Department of the Vietnamese History Museum which hosts the collection.  The project will restore the collection to its original state, thus prolonging the lives of the objects and reducing the danger of cracking and insect damage.  The deteriorating collection of 70 Buddhist and ancestral devotional artifacts includes altars, ancestral tablets, ritual trays, shrines, imperial equipage, carved chests, etc. and is dated from the Le-Nguyen Dynasty of the 18th and 19th centuries.  The U.S. financial assistance for the project will help preserve a collection that is of great cultural, religious and historical significance.

The Ambassador’s Fund for Cultural Preservation was established by the U.S. Department of State in 2001 to help less developed countries preserve cultural heritage and to demonstrate U.S. respect for other cultures.  In 2006, the AFCP awarded grants worth $2.8 million to 87 projects in 76 countries, including the project with the Ministry of Culture and Information of Vietnam.  To date this Fund has supported 292 projects totaling $6.7 million.

U.S. University Fair at the Sofitel Plaza Hotel, Hanoi

Counselor for Public Affairs Mr. Louis P. Lantner Gives the Opening Remarks

On Friday, October 13, 2006, the Institute for International Education (IIE) held its annual U.S. Higher Education Fair in Hanoi, in partnership and cooperation with the U.S. Embassy.  Thirty seven U.S. universities were represented, and IIE offered presentations on applying to U.S. schools and admissions testing. The Embassy’s Chief of Consular Section Steven Brault talked about applying for student visas.  The Embassy's Information Resource Center had a booth at the fair and distributed hundreds of free materials to students and visitors. Public Affairs Officer Louis P. Lantner gave opening remarks, along with IIE-Vietnam Director, Dr. Mark Ashwill, and Mr. Tran Ba Viet Dzung, director of the international cooperation department of the Ministry of Education and Training.

APEC Film Festival Opens in Hanoi

Cultural Envoy Greg Frazier discusses film with students at the National University of Theater and Cinematography.

Cultural Envoy Greg Frazier (Senior Vice President, Motion Picture Association of America)  spent three days in Hanoi to participate in the APEC Film Festival and meet with key Vietnamese Government and film industry officials.  Mr. Frazier held discussions with Ministry of Culture and Information officials and spoke to groups at the Ministry’s Cinema Department, the University of Theater and Cinematography, Hanoi University of Foreign Studies, the Vietnam Cinema Association, the Vietnam Feature Film Studio, and the National Documentary and Scientific Film Production Studio.  His visit was capped off on October 12 when he gave opening remarks at the screening of the U.S. submission to the Film Festival -  Ice Age II - at the National Cinema Center.  His message of IPR protection and enhanced cooperation received positive media coverage in several prominent publications.

Running through his various discussions and presentations was the critical theme of Intellectual Property Rights and the importance of copyright protection.  Mr. Frazier talked of the massive losses suffered by copyright infringement – up to $18 billion worldwide - and strategies to combat it, noting that possible accession to the World Trade Organization offered Vietnam the opportunity to develop its film industry and protect intellectual property rights.  Mr. Frazier’s participation in these events as a Cultural Envoy was timely and important, highlighting our enhanced relationship with Vietnam while reiterating the US commitment to working with our allies to protect Intellectual Property Rights.

American Images and Education Day in Haiphong

Haiphong University’s audiences attend in American Education Day presentation.

On Friday, September 29, Embassy officials and the Director of the Institute of International Education of Vietnam participated in “American Education Day” and the opening of the ‘American Images’ week-long exhibition at the University of Haiphong.  Hosted by the University and its American Corner, Press and Cultural Attaché Angela Aggeler opened the event with the Rector Prof. Thuyen, and cut the ribbon for the exhibition.  Following a walkthrough of the American Images show, Jessy Needham of the Fulbright Student Program spoke to the audience of over 100 students and researchers about various Fulbright programs and opportunities.  The Education Day was wrapped up by IIE Director Mark Ashwill who spoke about studying in the United States and offered a number of guidelines for preparing for study in the U.S.

Space Exploration and Aeronautical Achievements

Dr. Jay Chung gives lecture to over 200 students at the Hanoi University of Technology

On September 12-13, Dr. Jay Chung, President and CEO of Tayco Engineering, based in Southern California, volunteered as a PAS speaker on "Space Exploration and American Aeronautical Achievements."  He lectured to over 200 enthused students at the Hanoi University of Technology and again at the IRC for 40 students and academics.  He spoke about his aerospace inventions as well as his immigrant story and lessons for success, including teamwork, global cooperation, corporate integrity and anti-corrupt practices.  Dr. Chung has been a leading force in the area of aerospace technology in the U.S. Following the 1986 Challenger space shuttle explosion, Dr. Chung invented a heating system to prevent such accidents, and every space shuttle now includes his heating system. He is also working on engineering systems for the International Space Station and the Mars Rover.

Doing Business with American Markets

Speakers were warmly welcomed by Hai Phong participants

The workshop "Doing Business with American Markets" was held in Hai Phong on August 25th, 2006 with a hundred participants from state owned and private companies in Hai Phong.  The success of the workshop was possible due to the cooperation of the U.S. Embassy in Hanoi, the Hai Phong International Relations Department of Haiphong’s People Committee, U.S. Vietnam Studies Project and the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Haiphong City.  It’s an opportunity for companies to have better understanding of American laws on trade, taxes, customs, export and import control, regulations on economic and political security. Some product groups suitable with taste and habits of the U.S market also were suggested for Vietnamese participants.  Speakers including American Professor Augustine H. Vinh, Vietnam Ministry of Trade Official Nguyen Hong Duong and Janet Speck, US Embassy Economic Officer.

USAID Builds Model Accessible Culture House in the Central Highlands

USAID officer Brett Jones with Kon Tum representative

As a part of its support to children with disabilities in Kon Tum province, USAID worked through the non-governmental organization Pearl S Buck International to build the first-ever wheelchair accessible Rong house in Central Highlands for residents of Kon Tum’s Center for Care and Support to Children with Disabilities. The Rong House is a distinctive feature of the Central highlands, used for community and cultural activities. However, its high platform makes it difficult for children with disabilities access . With the opening of the new accessible Rong house disabled children of Kon Tum can join in cultural and social activities organized in their famous symbolic culture house like every other child in Kon Tum. The Rong house is part of a $328,882, project funded by USAID to provide health and educational services for disabled children, and build capacity for local authorities in Kon Tum.

Dedication of School and Clinic by Department of Defense

Colonel Chakwin at the ribbon cutting ceremony

On July 18-19, Colonel Mark Chakwin, the U.S. Embassy’s Defense and Army Attaché, participated in handover ceremonies in Quang Binh and Quang Tri Provinces to transfer two facilities recently constructed under the auspices of the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) Overseas Humanitarian, Disaster and Civic Aid (OHDACA) program.  A ten-room primary school in Gio Viet Commune, Gio Linh District, Quang Tri Province and a two-story medical clinic were turned over to the People’s Committee of Quang Ninh District, Quang Binh Province. These structures are designed to be “turn-key” facilities, functional for their intended use upon completion, and include basic furnishings.  The total value of these construction projects is valued at over $300,000 USD.

Commander of U.S. Pacific Command Visits Vietnam

Admiral Fallon meets with the Minister of Defense Phung Quang Thanh

Admiral William J. Fallon, Commander, U.S. Pacific Command, visited Vietnam and met with senior leaders July13-16.  This is Admiral Fallon's first visit to Vietnam as the Commander of U.S. Pacific Command.  Admiral Fallon visited Hanoi, Hue and Ho Chi Minh cities to meet with senior governmental and defense leaders to discuss security issues of mutual interest.  As the senior commander of U.S. military air, ground and naval forces in the Pacific and Indian ocean areas, Admiral Fallon's responsibilities include oversight of all U.S. military activities, promoting peace and stability in the region.

During meetings with Deputy Prime Minister, Foreign Minister Pham Gia Khiem and Defense Minister Phung Quang Thanh, Fallon said he suggested broadening educational opportunities, including English-language training for military officers, and using military engineering forces for humanitarian projects.  

Democracy Grant Supports Access to Justice

Ambassador Marine and Mr. Binh sign the grant agreement in Hanoi

Ambassador Marine presented Mr. Nguyen Quy Binh, Director of the the Vietnam-U.S. Legal Information and Consultancy Center (VULC), with a $19,909 grant to conduct a survey on the right of access to justice in the legal system of Vietnam.  The project managers will produce a compilation of international and Vietnamese legal provisions on judicial independence and the right of access to justice, conduct a legal review of Vietnamese legal provisions relating to the right of access to justice and organize a seminar on judicial independence and the right of access to justice in the legal system of Vietnam, compared with the legal system of the United States and relevant international standards.

This project will be the first of its kind, providing specialized materials for the campaign to improve judicial independence and the right of access to justice in Vietnam. The project also contributes to improve public understanding and attention on these issues through its research work and seminar.

Ambassador Participates in Webchat

Ambassador Marine responds to questions from webchat users

On July 3, Ambassador Marine participated in a live web chat with online readers of Tienphong (Pioneer) Newspaper on the occasion of America’s Independence Day.  The Ambassador reiterated the strong cooperation and friendship between the government and people of the United States and Vietnam. The Ambassador also underscored the importance of the United States and Vietnam working together in a number of areas including avian influenza, HIV/AIDS, human rights and religious freedom, academic and cultural exchanges, and high-level visits.  He expressed optimism about the bilateral relationship, especially in light of President Bush’s upcoming visit to Hanoi for APEC meetings in November. Full text

Keystone State Boychoir Visits Hanoi

Keystone State Boychoir and VNOB children’s choir perform at the Opera House

The U.S. Embassy co-sponsored the visit of the Keystone State Boychoir to Hanoi July 2-4.  The 50-member boychoir from Pennsylvania visited Hanoi as part of a Southeast Asia tour that also included Thailand, Malaysia and Cambodia. The boys were welcomed by homestay families in Hanoi, supported by the U.S.-Vietnam society. They performed at a local orphanage and performed alongside the VNOB Children’s Choir at the Opera House on July 3. This was the first such exchange of childrens choirs in Vietnam, providing an opportunity for young people to share their love of music and create cultural bridges on the occasion of America's Independence Day.

Ambassador Marine visits Yen Bai and Phu Tho provinces June 26-27

Ambassador Marine meets with schoolchildren in Yen Bai province

In Yen Bai, the Ambassador called on the Principal Deputy Party Secretary Hoang Thuong Luong and the Provincial People Committee Chairman Hoang Xuan Loc.  He also visited a provincial boarding school for ethnic pupils, and the World Vision Area Development Project at Van Yen District. In Phu Tho, Ambassador Marine met with the Principal Deputy Party Secretary Nguyen Van San  and Phu Tho People's Committee Chairman Nguyen Doan Khanh.  He also visited the ORBIS International project at Phu Tho Center for Disease Control, and the Children of Peace International Center for Handicapped and Orphan Children.

U.S. Embassy Provides Grant for Lawmaking Project

Ambassador Marine and VUSTA Vice President Ho Uy Liem at the signing ceremony

On June 29, the U.S. embassy announced a grant of $19,640 to the Center for Research and Consultation on Policy, Law and Development (PLD) to implement a project on lawmaking.  The project will include a study on the lawmaking process in Vietnam and evaluations to implement improvements. The project aims at enhancing a transparency and inclusiveness, strengthening the role of civil society.

 

St. John’s Soccer Team visits Haiphong University

St. John’s Soccer Team visits Haiphong University

The St. John’s men’s soccer team traveled to Vietnam in June and held several matches in Dalat, Hochiminh City, Hanoi and Haiphong.  As stated by Hung P. Le, D.A., Assistant Dean, St. John's College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, St. John’s University: “We are here on a friendship match, using football as a medium to address many issues concerning us and the world today, we are looking forward to continue to develop and strengthen the relationship between Vietnam and the United States.”  This is the first American team ever to play matches in Vietnam. In Haiphong, team members visited the U.S.-Vietnam Studies Project at Haiphong University, supported by the U.S. Embassy.

Corporate Governance and Business Ethics Seminar

Mr. David Day presents information about business ethics

The U.S. Embassy and the VCCI (Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry) co-sponsored a seminar on Corporate Governance and Business Ethics on June 2 in Hanoi.  U.S. Department of Commerce General Counsel Barbara Fredericks, Katherine Pike of Horizon Capital Partners, Henry Nguyen of IDG Ventures and Madame Pham Chi Lan, Senior Advisor to the Prime Minister’s Research Commission, gave presentations on the importance of corporate governance and fighting corruption practices.

Launch of a Campaign to Promote HIV Voluntary Counseling and Testing in Vietnam

DCM John Boardman gives opening remarks at launch event

The U.S. Embassy Public Affairs Section worked with partner organizations to launch a communications campaign to promote voluntary counseling and testing for HIV (VCT) services in Vietnam on May 31. The event, with support from the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for Aids Relief (PEPFAR), was attended by the Vice Minister of Health, Dr. Nguyen Thi Xuyen, DCM John Boardman, leaders of Hanoi’s People Committee, Vietnam Administration of AIDS Control (VAAC), MOH/Life-Gap Project, representatives from International and local organizations, and mass media agencies. Visitors also toured a nearby MOH/Life-Gap VCT site operated by the Ha Noi Sub Life-Gap Project to better understand how VCT works in the continuum of HIV/AIDS prevention and care.

The new communications campaign is implemented in target provinces by VAAC (MOH/Life-Gap Project) with technical support from Population Services International. The campaign encourages populations, especially those most vulnerable to HIV and AIDS, to get tested at quality sites offering VCT. The marketing campaign intends to increase awareness and knowledge of what VCT is, emphasizing sites participating in this program as a quality and highly confidential service.

U.S. and Vietnam Sign Historic Bilateral World Trade Organization Agreement

U.S. and Vietnamese delegations sign a bilateral agreement paving the way for Vietnam’s WTO accession

On May 31, Deputy U.S. Trade Representative Karan Bhatia and Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Trade Luong Van Tu formally signed a bilateral market access agreement required as part of Vietnam’s bid to accede to the World Trade Organization (WTO). The bilateral agreement, which will be fully implemented when Vietnam joins the WTO, will create significant new opportunities for U.S. producers and exporters of industrial and agricultural goods as well as U.S. services providers. more ...

USTDA Supports Hanoi Exchange Expansion To Encourage Private Sector Development

Signing Ceremony to support Vietnam’s securities market

The effective upgrade and expansion of Vietnam’s securities market is the objective of a grant awarded on May 26 by the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) to the State Securities Commission (SSC).  The USTDA grant will fund technical assistance associated with developing a roadmap for expanding the Hanoi Securities Trading Center’s (HASTC) current operating system.

The $422,000 grant was conferred during a signing ceremony held at the office of the SSC in Hanoi.  The Charge d’Affairs of the United States Embassy in Hanoi, John S. Boardman and Mr. Vu Bang, First Vice Chairman of the SSC signed the grant agreement.  USTDA Policy and Program Director Geoffrey Jackson signed as a witness to the grant agreement.

Ethnic Minority Art Exhibit Goes on Display in Hanoi

Deputy Chief of Mission John Boardman gives remarks at opening ceremony

On May 26, the U.S. Embassy co-sponsored an exhibition of 300 rare, ceremonial paintings by Vietnamese ethnic minority groups. Working closely with the Dong Son Today Foundation, Museum of Ethnology, Ohio University and the University of Fine Arts, the exhibit demonstrated U.S. support of cultural preservation projects and highlighted bilateral partnerships in cultural heritage.

Country Western Music Comes to Vietnam

Jesse Dayton Band performs at Haiphong Maritime University

The U.S. Embassy and U.S. Consulate General hosted the lively Jesse Dayton Band for concerts in Ho Chi Minh City, Vung Tau, Haiphong and Hanoi. Audiences enjoyed this creative energy of country western music mixed with rock, soul and blues. The band also held master classes and exchanges with music students throughout the country.  In northern Vietnam, concerts were held at the Haiphong Maritime University and Hanoi Tuoi Tre (Youth) Theater.

U.S. Industrial Safety and Hygiene Expert Meets with Local Universities

Mr. Brakensiek explains industrial safety to students and faculty

The U.S. Embassy organized two lectures for Mr. Jay Brakensiek, American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA) Professional Ambassador to Vietnam and Deputy Director of Environmental Health and Safety at one of the largest school districts in the United States.  Mr. Brakensiek gave a presentation on improving the health and safety for Vietnamese workers and standards in the U.S. On April 25, he addressed over 80 students and faculty at the Hanoi University of Engineering, Center for Environmental engineering of Towns and Industrial Areas and the environment. He also addressed another group from the National Institute for Occupational and Environmental Health.

Hanoi Students Celebrate Earth Day April 22, 2006

Students at Chu Van An High School on Earth Day

On Earth Day, April 22, the U.S. Embassy held a drawing contest for students from Chu Van An High School in Hanoi. The colorful posters raised awareness about protecting the environment and preserving natural resources. Students welcomed Embassy officers to speak about global environmental issues.

Speaker Of The House Leads Delegation To Vietnam

Speaker Hastert addressing Amcham members in Hanoi

Speaker of the House Dennis Hastert led a Congressional delegation to Vietnam April 12-15. He met with Prime Minister Phan Van Khai and other officials to discuss expanding bilateral relations on many fronts.

Ambassador Marine Visits The Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)/HIV/AID Prevention Center (SHAPC)

Ambassador Marine visits SHAPC

Ambassador Marine visited the Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)/HIV/AID Prevention Center (SHAPC) in Hanoi on April 11.  With USG funding from the President’s Emergency Fund for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), SHAPC implements multiple prevention programs.  SHAPC, established in 1998, is a local Vietnamese NGO funded by USG partners.   Since September 2005, SHAPC has received US$40,000 in USG support, which will increase in 2006.  Beyond care and treatment for those who are infected or affected by HIV/AIDS, the United States Government places great importance on preventing new infections among most at-risk populations.

East Asia and Pacific Regional Consultation on Children and AIDS

Ambassador Marine addresses over 250 delegates at the conference

Ambassador Marine addressed over 200 delegates at the opening ceremony of the East Asia and Pacific Regional Consultation on Children and AIDS in Hanoi. Governments, civil society, UN agencies and donors are gathered urgently address actions to stem the spread and mitigate the impact of HIV and AIDS amongst children and young people. The three-day gathering in Hanoi provides a unique platform to ensure that children are not missing from these national “roadmaps” to achieve universal access to prevention, treatment, care and support services by 2010.

The Hanoi Consultation is jointly organized by the Vietnamese Commission for Population, Family and Children, Family Health International, Save the Children, UNAIDS, UNICEF, The U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and WHO.

U.S.-Vietnam Studies Project Opens in Haiphong

Ribbon cutting ceremony at Hai Phong University

In cooperation with Haiphong University, the Haiphong People’s Committee, Ministry of Education and Training, and Ministry of Culture and Information, the Public Affairs Section opened the U.S.-Vietnam Studies Project on the campus of Haiphong University on March 1. The Ambassador joined officials, faculty and students for the groundbreaking ceremony. The Center will include computers, media equipment, books, resource materials and periodicals about the U.S. and Vietnam to further mutual understanding between the two countries. It will also host speakers events, seminars and cultural exhibits.

Black History Month Commemoration

The panel discussing on Black History

At Hanoi's Black History Month Forum, photos of African American leaders, culture and Black colleges were mounted for visitors to view and study. Dr. Richard Fried, Fulbright scholar, discussed the pre-civil rights movement and the background that led to the historic changes in American history. Senior English Language Fellow Alex Hadden showed a film clip about Dr. King and talked about his powerful movement. African American businessman Nate Dickerson and LTC Lentfort Mitchell also shared their perspectives about being African American and what the legacies of slavery have meant for them. The forum provided attendees with an in depth look at race issues, diversity and civil rights in America.

American Images and Education Day in Hanoi

Ribbon cutting ceremony at Vietnam National University

The U.S. Embassy and Vietnam National University Hanoi co-hosted "American Images and Education Day" on February 16. Faculty and students enjoyed a colorful display of American states and a book display about the United States. Guest speakers gave presentations about the workings of the U.S. Embassy, the American higher education system, U.S. student visa issues and English learning. This was the first event of its kind in Hanoi.

PEPFAR Annual Report Forum

Mitch Wolfe (Centers for Disease Control) joins in DVC discussions

The U.S. Embassy Hanoi and U.S. Consulate General Ho Chi Minh City hosted a forum on February 10 on the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) Second Annual Report. In a live, three-way digital videoconference connection with Washington, Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, Deputy Global Aids Coordinator Dr. Mark Dybul addressed members of the media and HIV/AIDS experts on U.S. efforts for prevention, care and treatment of HIV/AIDS. Vietnam is one of fifteen Focus Countries under PEPFAR, and received $27.5 million in FY05 from the United States; an additional $34 million is committed in FY06. The American people are proud to be partnering with Vietnam, creating hope for a future free of HIV/AIDS.

Public Diplomacy Forum

EAP/PD diplomacy coordinator giving presentation on the role of public diplomacy in global affairs

On February 8, the Public Affairs Section organized a forum for visiting EAP/PD diplomacy coordinator for Burma, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, Vietnam and Japan, Jessica Davies. Over 50 Vietnamese participants attended the informal session to hear Ms. Davies' presentation on the role of public diplomacy in global affairs. Discussions followed on country imaging and "branding", role of the media in public diplomacy, public relations, and increasing mutual understanding between the United States and Vietnam.