Tim Rieser, senior foreign policy advisor to US Senator Patrick Leahy (Photo: VOV)

The dialogue followed US President Joe Biden's visit to Vietnam, marking a new step in diplomatic relations between the US and Vietnam. The event focused on efforts to resolve the consequences of war and promote relations between the US and Vietnam.

Tim Rieser, senior foreign policy advisor to US Senator Patrick Leahy, called the event a bright spot in promoting cooperation in overcoming war consequences between the US and Vietnam.   

“I think it’s been a model for other countries. I can’t think of any other formal enemies who have cooperated in this way. First of all, Vietnam, over many years, devoted much time and effort to helping us locate the remains of American veterans lost in the war. That opened the door for our world legacy programs. I think this program is what has brought the two countries together more than anything else and provided the foundation for the reconciliation and the cooperation, which has led to what you just saw in Hanoi, with President Biden and the General Secretary signing this strategic partnership. The world legacy program has been the center of our post war cooperation, and they have made it possible for all the different ways in which we are now partners.”

The dialogue is an opportunity for delegates to share stories and personal experiences and suggest ways to enhance the effectiveness of programs to resolve the consequences of war between  the US and Vietnam.