Vietnamese President Meets US Businesses on MIA Search Initiative

On September 23, 2026 (local time), Vietnamese President To Lam met with the US-ASEAN Business Council (USABC) and related US companies during his stay in the United States. During this meeting, a report was presented on the Vietnam War Missing Persons Search Initiative (VWAI). Representatives from the USABC and executives from major US companies involved in VWAI attended the meeting. President To Lam emphasized the importance of considering the families of those missing from the Vietnam War and the need for continued humanitarian assistance to heal the wounds of past conflicts. He also expressed the view that this initiative contributes to building trust and strengthening relations between the two countries. The US side expressed its continued commitment to VWAI and its intention to advance search efforts through close cooperation with the Vietnamese government. Furthermore, discussions are understood to have covered expanding cooperation in areas such as economy, trade, and investment. President To Lam expressed expectations for increased investment from US companies in Vietnam and their contribution to Vietnam's economic growth. This meeting demonstrates Vietnam's multifaceted approach to developing its international relations, particularly with the United States. As Vietnam continues its economic growth under a one-party system, it is also seeking to build new cooperative relationships by sincerely addressing past historical issues in its foreign relations.