New US ambassador to Vietnam issues start-of-term message

In a video released by the U.S. Embassy in Hanoi, Knapper said he is honored to be given the opportunity to return to Vietnam where he served 15 years ago, “and continue the important work our two nations are doing together and to build upon it.”

“We are working together to responsibly address the legacies of war, expand bilateral trade, maintain regional peace and stability, and protect our environment,” he said.

 

 

New US ambassador to Vietnam issues start-of-term message

Tân đại sứ Mỹ ‘phấn khởi khi được trở lại Việt Nam’

Knapper led the political section of the U.S. Embassy in Hanoi from 2004 to 2007.

The ambassador presented his credentials to President Nguyen Xuan Phuc at the Presidential Palace on Feb. 11.

At the ceremony, Knapper shared his expectation that the Vietnam – U.S. relationship would develop more and that he would try to promote cooperation between both countries in different fields, including trade, investment, education, defense and security.

The ambassador also expressed his wish that the two countries would hold many high-level visits as the pandemic is gradually brought under control.

The U.S. Senate confirmed Knapper as the next ambassador to Vietnam on Dec. 18, a full eight months after his nomination by President Joe Biden.

Knapper and his family arrived in Hanoi in late January.