Ambassador Daniel Kritenbrink cut the ribbon to officially open the American Hangout in Thai Nguyen on December 4. Photo by the US Embassy.

In meetings with local leaders, the ambassador reaffirmed the US commitment to a strong, prosperous, and independent Vietnam, and discussed ways to increase cooperation between the United States and Vietnam. 

Speaking at a meeting, the US ambassador said that this year the United States and Vietnam celebrated 25 years of bilateral relations. 

“Our nations share a remarkable history: after years of war and hardship, together we have become partners and friends in every sense of the word, working together on security, business, economic, people-to-people, health, environment, and energy ties," he said.  "As we have celebrated our shared past, we are also firmly focused on the future.”

The American Hangout Thai Nguyen is the first to open in Northern Vietnam and the third Hangout in all of Vietnam - Can Tho and An Giang Universities also host American Hangouts. Thai Nguyen University is recognised as an education leader with its 11 universities and colleges, and 55,000 students.

“The Thai Nguyen American Hangout joins over 600 other “American Spaces” around the world, which encourage open dialogue and build bridges of understanding by serving as study centers for students and communal spaces for those interested in American culture and values.” stated Ambassador Kritenbrink at the opening ceremony event.

This space inside Thai Nguyen University’s Learning Resources and Information Technology Centre will help students in the northern region access information about the United States, English-language learning materials, US government exchange programs and EducationUSA services.  Patrons will also be able to join a wide range of programming sponsored by the American Center in Hanoi, including speaker programs, soft skills trainings, American English club, debate competitions, book discussions, MOOC courses, film shows, exhibitions, and music performances. 

Following the opening ceremony, Ambassador Kritenbrink joined the Deputy Party Secretary cum People’s Committee Permanent Vice Chairman Trinh Viet Hung; TNU President, Dr. Pham Hong Quang; Vice President, Dr. Tran Thanh Van; and Learning Resource and Information Technology Center Director, Dr. Nguyen Duy Hoan in a tour of the American Hangout, tea tasting, and a lunch hosted by TNU. Dtinews