Leaders send sympathies over passing of US Senator John McCain

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc and National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan on August 27 sent messages of condolences to the family of US Senator John McCain and leaders of the US Senate over the death of the senator.
  • Senator McCain has special position in Vietnam-US relation history: Ambassador
  • John McCain, ex-POW, senator and political maverick, dies at 81

On the same day, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh cabled condolences to the family of John McCain and signed in the condolence book in commemoration of the senator at the US Embassy in Vietnam.

On the same day, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Le Thi Thu Hang, while answering reporters’ questions on the passing away of US Senator John McCain, said Vietnam would like to extend the deepest sympathy to the family of the senator and the US Congress.

US Senator John McCain. Photo: ABC News
US Senator John McCain. Photo: ABC News

McCain was an outstanding representative for the generation of US parliamentarians and veterans from the war in Vietnam. He was a pioneer who made great contributions to healing the wounds of the war, normalising Vietnam-US relations and setting up the comprehensive partnership between the two nations.

“We treasure efforts made by McCain in building and developing the Vietnam-US relations over the past decades,” she stressed.

Senator John McCain passed away on August 25 (US time) at the age of 81.

McCain himself served in the invading war of the US in Vietnam. He joined in the Rolling Thunder air campaign in 1967, bombing targets in the Democratic Republic of Vietnam (northern Vietnam). His plane was shot down on October 26, 1967 and McCain was taken prisoner. He was returned to the US in an exchange of prisoners in 1973.

Returning from Vietnam, McCain joined politics and was one of the first persons campaigning for normalisation of US-Vietnam relations through promoting humanitarian issues such as removing unexploded ordnance left by the war, searching for missing-in-action personnel, supporting people with disabilities caused by the war, and detoxifying areas polluted by dioxin. 

In 1994, the US Senate approved a resolution sponsored by McCain and Senator John Kerry, calling to end the economic sanction against Vietnam, paving the way for the normalisation of relations between the two countries one year later.

Following the normalisation of bilateral ties, McCain and Kerry visited Vietnam many times to address the issue of American missing-in-action soldiers (POW/MIA).

Along with pushing for the normalisation of relations with Vietnam, Senator McCain also supported the Vietnamese community in the US, serving as a bridge between them and the US authorities as well as the Vietnamese Government.

VNA

Other News

Vietnam needs more modern, creative working class: Top leader

Vietnam needs more modern, creative working class: Top leader

Party General Secretary and State President To Lam urged the Vietnam Trade Union to reform more rapidly, deeply and substantively. It must work together with the State, enterprises and training facilities to improve workers’ professional qualifications, digital skills and adaptability.

Grand opening of 14th Vietnam Trade Union Congress for 2026–2031 term

Grand opening of 14th Vietnam Trade Union Congress for 2026–2031 term

VGCL President Nguyen Anh Tuan said achievements obtained over the past ternure reflect the close guidance of the Party, effective coordination among State agencies, local authorities, the Vietnam Fatherland Front and socio-political organisations, support from employers and, above all, the dedication and innovation demonstrated by trade union officials, members and workers across the country.

Prime Minister chairs Government's regular meeting for May

Prime Minister chairs Government's regular meeting for May

Prime Minister Le Minh Hung emphasised the need to further improve institutions and policy frameworks, develop digital infrastructure and data resources, and create the necessary conditions for science, technology, innovation and digital transformation to become new drivers of economic growth.

Official hails progress in Vietnam – RoK defence cooperation

Official hails progress in Vietnam – RoK defence cooperation

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence General Phan Van Giang said that alongside the robust growth of relations between the two countries, defence cooperation has continued to develop extensively and intensively, becoming increasingly practical and effective.

Vietnam's First Lady visits disadvantaged children in Philippines

Vietnam's First Lady visits disadvantaged children in Philippines

Ngo Phuong Ly, spouse of Party General Secretary and State President To Lam, expressed her emotion at seeing the children’s optimism despite difficult circumstances, noting that both Vietnam and the Philippines place children at the centre of their development policies, from education, health care to child protection.

Top leader of Vietnam pays state visit to Philippines

Top leader of Vietnam pays state visit to Philippines

Party General Secretary and State President To Lam and his spouse are paying state visit to the Philippines from May 31 to June 1 at the invitation of President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr. and his spouse.