US Ambassador offers condolences to the family of former Prime Minister Phan Van Khai
US Ambassador to Vietnam Daniel J. Kritenbrink today, March 20, sent his condolences to the family of former Prime Minister Phan Van Khai and the Vietnamese people, after he passed away at the age of 85.
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| Prime Minister Phan Van Khai and US President George W. Bush shake hands at the White House on June 21, 2005. Photo: White House |
In a press release on March 20, US Ambassador to Vietnam Daniel J. Kritenbrink, on behalf of the US delegation in Vietnam, sent condolences on the passing of former Prime Minister Phan Van Khai.
“On behalf of the U.S. Mission to Vietnam, I would like to express our sincere condolences on the passing of former Prime Minister Phan Van Khai. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and the people of Vietnam at this time of sorrow,” said Ambassador Daniel J. Kritenbrink.
Ambassador Kritenbrink added that former Prime Minister Phan Van Khai was the first Vietnamese Prime Minister to visit the United States and that his historic meeting with former US President George W. Bush in 2005 “helped the two countries overcome their painful past and realize the boundless potential of a bright shared future.”
“Former Prime Minister Phan Van Khai’s contributions to the U.S.-Vietnam partnership continue to have a lasting impact on our rapidly growing cooperation in trade, regional security, and people-to-people ties. His legacy as a humble yet determined reformer will continue to impact Vietnam for generations to come,” Ambassador Daniel J. Kritenbrink emphasized.
Former Politburo member and former Prime Minister Phan Van Khai passed away at the age of 85 at 1:30 a.m. on March 17, 2018 in his hometown of Cu Chi, Ho Chi Minh City. Former Prime Minister Phan Van Khai was awarded the Gold Star Order and the 55-year Party membership badge (in 2014) by the Party and State in recognition of his contributions to the revolutionary cause.
