In a symbolic gesture witnessed by Vice President Vo Thi Anh Xuan at the Presidential Palace this morning, Amanda Nguyen - the first Vietnamese-American woman to travel into space - formally handed over Vietnamese lotus seeds that had journeyed into orbit to the Vietnam Space Center.

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Vice President Vo Thi Anh Xuan welcomes Amanda Nguyen. Photo: VNA

Vice President Vo Thi Anh Xuan congratulated Amanda Nguyen on her historic achievement and praised her for embodying the spirit of exploration and resilience. Nguyen’s success, she said, is a source of inspiration for Vietnamese women and youth striving to reach new heights.

The Vice President also acknowledged Nguyen’s global advocacy, particularly her efforts in combating violence against women and her instrumental role in advancing the United Nations General Assembly’s 2022 resolution on the rights of survivors of sexual violence.

She reaffirmed Vietnam’s consistent policy of promoting gender equality and ensuring a safe and equitable environment for women. The Vice President emphasized that Vietnam upholds and protects the legitimate rights of women, including those outlined in the UN resolution.

She further noted that the Vietnamese diaspora is considered an inseparable part of the nation. The Vice President expressed delight at the progress and success of the Vietnamese community in the United States, who continue to make significant contributions to their host society while maintaining strong ties to their homeland.

Vice President Xuan encouraged Amanda Nguyen to continue playing a personal role in strengthening people-to-people diplomacy between Vietnam and the United States, especially during the 30th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic relations.

Expressing deep honor and emotion at being the first Vietnamese-American woman to travel into space, Amanda Nguyen said that all her accomplishments stem from the Vietnamese heritage she proudly carries with her.

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Vice President Vo Thi Anh Xuan witnesses Amanda Nguyen handing over Vietnamese lotus seeds previously taken into space. Photo: VNA

Reflecting on her experience viewing Earth from orbit, Nguyen shared a profound sense of love and responsibility toward preserving the shared home of humanity - particularly her affection for Vietnam.

Regarding her advocacy work, she thanked Vietnam for supporting the UN resolution on survivors of sexual violence and expressed her desire to continue receiving Vietnam’s backing in this important cause.

Vice President Xuan also shared Vietnam’s future economic and social development goals, highlighting that science, technology, and innovation have been identified as top national priorities.

Amanda Nguyen, affirming that Vietnam holds a special place in her heart, pledged to help strengthen Vietnam–US scientific and technological cooperation, with a focus on human resource development.

US Ambassador to Vietnam Marc Knapper, who attended the meeting, reported on recent positive developments in Vietnam–US relations. He affirmed the United States’ commitment to supporting Vietnam’s economic and social development goals.

Vice President Xuan welcomed the progress in bilateral relations and extended congratulations to Ambassador Knapper on the occasion of US Independence Day.

During the meeting, Amanda Nguyen officially returned Vietnamese lotus seeds she had taken into space, gifted by the Vietnam Space Center. The handover symbolized not only a connection to Vietnam’s cultural roots but also a shared passion for science and exploration.

Tran Thuong