FROM UNDERSTANDING TO COMMITMENT TO HUMANITARIAN COOPERATION

During their working trip to the United States, the delegation of the Vietnam Association for Victims of Agent Orange/Dioxin (VAVA), led by Lieutenant General Nguyen Huu Chinh, President of the Association, held their first working meeting with ABLE International in Los Angeles. The meeting took place in a sincere and open atmosphere, reflecting the growing trust and close relationship between the two sides.

At the meeting, Ms. Rubina Qureshi, President of ABLE International, introduced the history and development of the organization, as well as its humanitarian activities over the years, including programs supporting Agent Orange victims in Vietnam. The images and documents displayed left a deep impression, reflecting ABLE's enduring journey in upholding humanitarian values.

 Speaking at the meeting, Lieutenant General Chinh shared his experience working for the Association, emphasizing the special significance of caring for and supporting victims of Agent Orange. He elaborated: “We always strive to call for the community's cooperation to alleviate the burden on the victims' families and society. ABLE's actions are extremely practical, directly contributing to the journey of alleviating the suffering caused by Agent Orange”. In a warm atmosphere, he also emotionally recalled the journey of Vietnam-US relations: “From former enemies to friends, Vietnam and the United States have now established a comprehensive strategic partnership – a model of reconciliation, cooperation, and development”. The President of VAVA expressed his desire to continue learning from international experience and improving the effectiveness of victim care programs, and hoped that ABLE would strengthen its partnership in the future: “This is a noble humanitarian mission – aiming for a better life where people are loved and cared for. We hope that the relationship between VAVA and ABLE will continue to develop sustainably.”

 The two sides discussed specific cooperation programs, including the steam therapy model – a detoxification support program currently being implemented at many social welfare centers for Agent Orange victims in Vietnam. A representative from ABLE stated that the organization has researched and applied methods to support the elimination of dioxin from the body, in which the use of high-standard vitamins plays a crucial role in the treatment process.

 Ms. Rubina Qureshi shared that ABLE members have visited Vietnam many times and are always deeply impressed by its people, culture, and cuisine. They also affirmed their desire to continue and expand their support activities in Vietnam in the future.

 On this occasion, VAVA’s President respectfully invited the ABLE delegation to visit Vietnam, directly survey and evaluate the detoxification support centers, and participate in the activities celebrating “65 years – From disaster to the journey of joint efforts to alleviate the pain of Agent Orange” which will take place in August 2026. This is not only an invitation for cooperation, but also a call for sharing, understanding, and accompanying the distressed.

 Responding the invitation, Ms. Rubina Qureshi expressed her gratitude and said that ABLE is long for the upcoming visit to Vietnam, while affirming that they will continue to cooperate closely with VAVA in programs to support victims.

 At the end of the meeting, both sides agreed to maintain regular exchanges and gradually build concrete cooperation plans despite geographical distance and time zone differences.

 According to the program, in the following days, VAVA delegation will work with key partners in the United States, including scientific organizations and pharmaceutical manufacturers, to study on professional solutions contributing to improving the effectiveness of support for victims of Agent Orange.

The first working session opened a new chapter of cooperation – where war memories are transformed into understanding, where cooperative relationships are nurtured on a foundation of compassion, and where hope is further spread through sincere connections between people.

International and Scientific Department

Vietnam Association for Victims of Agent Orange/Dioxin