Courtesy call of U.S. Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City

On the afternoon of December 06, 2016, Vice Chairwoman of Can Tho City People's Committte Ms. Vo Thi Hong Anh, together with leaders of relevant departments, met with Ms. Mary Tarnowka – U.S. Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City and Mr. Sean Lindstone – economic officer of the Consulate General.

This is the first official visit to Can Tho City People's Committee by the Consul General after she had her new term 4 months ago in Ho Chi Minh City. Ms. Mary Tarnowka shared her deep emotions with Can Tho City, which was inspired by her teacher of Vietnamese language in Washington D.C., and from her experience when practicing Vietnamese in Can Tho City.

Vice Chairwoman Vo Thi Hong Anh stated outstanding achievements of Can Tho City recently, especially in urban planning and development, using solar energy in public works. Vice Chairwoman also informed Consul General Tarnowka about the role of Can Tho City as Chairman of Association of Cities of Vietnam (ACVN), which serves as the motivation for other cities in Mekong Delta area to develop. Ms. Vo hoped that with the support of U.S. Consul General in HO Chi Minh City, Can Tho could have more connections with American partners in urban development to cope with climate change, education, trade, and investment.

The two leaders also mentioned the sister-city relationship between Can Tho and Riverside (California). The two cities had had official visits with each other and are carrying out cooperation activities to realize the Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2015 in Riverside.

Ms. Mary Tarnowka – U.S. Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City confirmed the relationship between Vietnam and the USA after the two nations agreed on their Comprehensive Partnership in 2013. Can Tho City has always been considered an important city in Mekong Delta area of Vietnam to the U.S. Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City in their cooperation. The Consul General also agreed with the City leader in the enhancement of cooperation between Can Tho City and American partners in the stated areas. At the same time, the Consul General emphasized the importance of city-to-city and people-to-people relationships between the two countries.

In her visit to Can Tho City, Ms. Tarnowka would also attend the graduation ceremony of ACCESS program at Can Tho University. This is the scholarship program sponsored by U.S. State Department to disadvantaged students so that they can improve their English and necessary soft skills.