As the United States and Vietnam mark 30 years of diplomatic relations, a new DNA laboratory has been inaugurated in Hanoi. U.S. Ambassador to Vietnam Marc Knapper and Kelly McKeague, Director of the U.S. Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, joined Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology (VAST) Vice President Chu Hoàng Hà and senior leaders from various Vietnamese ministries for the event.
The laboratory is located within VAST’s Center for DNA Identification and aims to identify the remains of Vietnam’s wartime missing. It was established with U.S. government funding for equipment and training by the International Commission on Missing Persons (ICMP). The facility highlights the role of science and technology in reconciliation efforts.
“This facility is a testament to what our partnership can achieve,” stated Ambassador Knapper. “As our nations celebrate 30 years of bilateral relations, we reaffirm our shared commitment to address war legacies, using cooperation in science and technology to bring answers to families.”
The lab's advanced DNA analysis capabilities will assist Vietnamese scientists in identifying degraded remains, even those affected by high acidity soil, providing closure to families who have waited decades for answers. ICMP will continue mentoring VAST scientists in using these protocols, ensuring the facility becomes a lasting resource for Vietnam.
This initiative reflects the broader evolution of U.S.-Vietnam relations, which have developed into a robust partnership across various fields such as science and technology.
The inauguration symbolizes progress in overcoming war legacies and points towards future possibilities based on mutual respect, trust, and a shared vision between the two nations.