News Detail - Quang Tri Portal

Overview of the reception and working session

The Pacific Partnership Program is the largest annual multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster response mission organized by the U.S. Navy in the Indo-Pacific region. Running in parallel, the Pacific Friends Program is jointly implemented by U.S. Army Pacific and the 18th Medical Command (Deployment Support). In 2026, Quang Tri Province was honored to host both programs simultaneously, underscoring the province’s credibility and capacity in coordinating and implementing large-scale international cooperation initiatives. After two weeks of implementation, the Pacific Partnership – Pacific Friends 2026 (PP-PF26) program has largely achieved its objectives, carrying out 26 activities across four key areas: humanitarian assistance and disaster preparedness and response; healthcare; construction and renovation of community facilities; and community engagement. Most activities have been implemented on schedule and in accordance with the planned quality standards, delivering practical benefits to local communities.

Standing Vice Chairman of the Provincial People’s Committee Hoang Nam and Lieutenant General Joel Vowell, Deputy Commanding General of U.S. Army Pacific, exchange views on key issues during the working session

Through the program, provincial officials, armed forces personnel, and specialized agencies have had opportunities to exchange expertise and gain access to international experience in such fields as military medicine, disaster response, humanitarian assistance, communications, explosive ordnance disposal, and civil defense. In addition, cultural exchange activities, interactions with students, and community volunteer initiatives have helped strengthen mutual understanding, foster closer ties, and promote friendship between the peoples of Vietnam and the United States.

Standing Vice Chairman of the Provincial People’s Committee Hoang Nam presents a commemorative gift to Lieutenant General Joel Vowell

Speaking at the meeting, Standing Vice Chairman of the Provincial People’s Committee Hoang Nam affirmed that cooperation programs in such areas as addressing the consequences of war, supporting war victims and persons with disabilities, healthcare, education, disaster response, and community development have delivered significant and tangible results. These efforts have become a symbol of the healing process, trust-building, and a shared commitment to a forward-looking future between Viet Nam and the United States.

Lieutenant General Joel Vowell, Deputy Commanding General of U.S. Army Pacific, also presents a commemorative gift to Standing Vice Chairman of the Provincial People’s Committee Hoang Nam

He expressed his hope that U.S. Army Pacific and its partners would continue to accompany the province and expand community-oriented cooperation programs in the coming years, particularly in the areas of searching for and identifying fallen soldiers and military personnel missing in action, disaster response, emergency relief, military medicine, public healthcare, and capacity building for local officials. He also called for enhanced training programs, expert exchanges, and the sharing of experience in disaster risk management, civil defense, digital transformation, and the application of science and technology in command and dministration. In addition, he urged continued support for the construction and renovation of community facilities in remote and disadvantaged areas, as well as regions frequently affected by natural disasters.

Provincial leaders pose for a commemorative photo with the Pacific Partnership-Pacific Friends 2026 delegation

On this occasion, Standing Vice Chairman of the Provincial People’s Committee Hoang Nam expressed his sincere appreciation to the U.S. Army Pacific, the 18th Medical Command, the Pacific Partnership Program, the U.S. Embassy in Vietnam, as well as U.S. military personnel and experts for their dedication and substantial support to Quang Tri Province throughout the implementation of Pacific Partnership-Pacific Friends 2026 (PP-PF26). He also expressed his hope for continued attention and cooperation from U.S. partners in the years ahead and cordially invited the delegation to attend the 2026 Festival for Peace, with a view to further promoting the shared values of peace, reconciliation, cooperation, and sustainable development.

Lieutenant General Joel Vowell commended Quang Tri Province for its close coordination and professionalism in organizing and implementing the program. He affirmed that the achievements of Pacific Partnership-Pacific Friends 2026 are a testament to the increasingly substantive and effective cooperation between Vietnam and the United States in humanitarian assistance, war legacy remediation, and addressing non-traditional security challenges. These accomplishments, he noted, provide a strong foundation for the two countries to further expand and strengthen their cooperation in the years ahead.

Quang Tri Portal