The United States hands over equipment, supplies, chemicals, and DNA testing procedures to Vietnam to support the identification of unidentified war remains
The ceremony was also attended by representatives and leaders from agencies and ministries of both countries, including the U.S. Department of Defense’s Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA), the U.S. Embassy, the U.S. Agency for International Development in Vietnam (USAID), the U.S. Institute of Peace, the International Commission on Missing Persons (ICMP), the Vietnam Office for Seeking Missing Persons (VNOSMP), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Ministry of National Defense, the Institute of Biology – VAST, the Department of International Cooperation – VAST, among others.
Leaders from the Institute of Biology - VAST and ICMP Present the Equipment Handover Minutes
Speaking at the ceremony, Prof. Dr. Chu Hoang Ha - Vice President of VAST - stated that over nearly two years of project implementation, scientists from the Institute of Biology and international experts from ICMP have made tireless efforts to develop, optimize, and transfer advanced DNA analysis technologies for identifying the remains of martyrs based on next-generation sequencing (NGS) techniques. These techniques utilize SNP markers suited to Vietnam's specific conditions, where most remains have been heavily degraded after decades in a hot and humid tropical environment. The project has yielded highly commendable results: the success rate of DNA extraction from remains has increased from 22% to 70%, demonstrating significant technological progress. Genome sequencing and SNP marker analysis have opened up the possibility of matching remains to relatives as distant as four or five generations - a milestone never before achieved. For the first time, experts have demonstrated the feasibility of applying advanced technology based on SNP-NGS techniques to the identification of Vietnamese war remains, contributing meaningfully to the humanitarian efforts pursued by both nations.
Prof. Dr. Chu Hoang Ha - Vice President of VAST - speaking at the Ceremony
The reception and operation of equipment and infrastructure represent an important step in the Project’s implementation. These assets enable VAST scientists to improve technical capacity and master modern DNA analysis technologies, allowing for large-scale, effective application that meets the stringent requirements posed by decades-old remains. This development opens up the possibility of DNA data matching between remains and relatives as far as four to five generations apart.
Vice President Chu Hoang Ha also shared that, as of July 1, 2025, the management of the Project’s contents will transition from USAID to the U.S. Department of State, with the Political Section of the U.S. Embassy in Hanoi directly overseeing and implementing the remaining project components according to the approved schedule. This transition reaffirms the U.S. Government’s long-term commitment to humanitarian programs in Vietnam. It also presents an opportunity for broader and deeper coordination between the two countries' specialized agencies and international experts in subsequent phases of the Project.
His Excellency Marc Knapper - U.S. Ambassador to Vietnam - speaking at the Ceremony
U.S. Ambassador Marc Knapper noted that the event serves as a testament to what our partnership can achieve. As the two countries celebrate 30 years of bilateral relations, we reaffirm our shared commitment to addressing war legacy issues through scientific and technological cooperation to provide answers to families. The results thus far demonstrate the dedication and efforts of both sides. Ambassador Knapper also expressed his hope that through the handover of equipment and laboratory facilities — and with the possession of modern and advanced DNA identification tools — all involved parties will continue to work closely to implement the Project on a broader scale and achieve greater results.
The ceremony took place in the context of the 30th anniversary of Vietnam–U.S. diplomatic relations (1995–2025). Notably, in September 2023, the two countries elevated their ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, laying a solid foundation for expanded cooperation in shared areas of interest, including humanitarian collaboration and addressing the consequences of war. This event marks a meaningful milestone in humanitarian cooperation and post-war recovery, demonstrating the two governments’ commitment to building a shared future grounded in science, technology, and humanitarian values.
Some other photos from the Ceremony:
Overall view of the ceremony
Representatives from the DNA Identification Center – Institute of Biology and the International Commission on Missing Persons (ICMP) reporting on project implementation
Leaders from VAST, ICMP, the U.S. Embassy, MFA, MND, MOHA, and others witnessing the project certification plaque installation
Laboratory tour
Commemorative photo session
Translated by Phuong Ha
Link to Vietnamese version
