US outgoing Ambassador to Vietnam Daniel Kritenbrink has been bestowed “Medal for Peace and Friendship among Nations” by the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations (VUFO) for his significant contributions to the US-Vietnam relations during his term that began in 2017.

US outgoing Ambassador to Vietnam Daniel Kritenbrink awarded medal. Photo: Baoquocte

Efforts made by the ambassador and US diplomats to Vietnam have resulted in the enhancement of the multifaceted relations over the past three years, VUFO’s Chairwoman Nguyen Phuong Nga said at the awarding ceremony held in Hanoi on April 9.

More than last three years, Vietnam and the US have signed a number of trade deals worth dozens of billions dollars, making the US is Vietnam’s largest trading partner and the 11th biggest investor.

Currently, more than 30,000 Vietnamese are studying in the US, the fifth largest student community there.

Kritenbrink has stressed special importance on war legacies to make great progress in solving issues relating to dioxin, unexploded ordnance (UXO), people with disabilities, search and collect remains of Vietnamese missing in action soldiers.

Nga emphasized that Kritenbrink has left an impression on the people in Vietnam for his sincerity and warmth by joining activities and conveying messages of friendship to Vietnamese people.

He joined harvest with Tay ethnic minority, making moon cakes and dragon dance performances with children, making Chung (sticky rice) cake, singing Vietnamese folk songs, and rapping on Tet holiday, the traditional holiday.

Speaking at the event, Kritenbrink said: “Again, I think our futures are intertwined. Vietnam's success is America's success. We are trusted partners prospering together. I can assure you that Vietnam and Vietnamese people always hold a very special place in my heart,” VOV reported.

“And if the Senate is going to confirm me, I hope that in my next position, I can be one of the strongest advocates in Washington for the US-Vietnam partnership and friendship in the years ahead. And it's more than anything that makes me so happy. So again, I will never forget the kindness and the generosity that you’ve shown to me,” he added.

On March 26, US President Joe Biden announced his intent to nominate Kritenbrink as Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs.