Representing the leadership of the Vietnamese Ministry of National Defense, Senior Lieutenant General Hoang Xuan Chien, Deputy Defense Minister, attended the ceremony. The event was attended by representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Public Security, as well as relevant Vietnamese agencies and local authorities. The U.S. was represented by U.S. Ambassador to Vietnam Marc Knapper, and Director of the U.S. Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency Kelly K. McKeague.
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Delegates pose for a joint photo at the VNOSMP 50th founding anniversary. (Source: cand.com.vn)
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The MIA activities were initiated by Vietnam immediately after the signing of the Paris Peace Accords in 1973. VNOSMP was established in the same year to coordinate these efforts. Since 1988, joint search teams from Vietnam and the U.S. have been engaged in the search for missing persons. Over the past 35 years, the joint search missions have conducted 150 operations, resulting in the repatriation of hundreds of sets of remains of U.S. soldiers. This collaborative effort has fostered trust, normalized and strengthened Vietnam-U.S. diplomatic relations, and facilitated cooperation in various fields, particularly in addressing the aftermath of the war. Currently, the U.S. and Vietnam are working together on projects related to dioxin detoxification, unexploded ordnance clearance, and the search and verification of remains of Vietnamese soldiers who sacrificed their lives in the war.
Speaking at the event, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Ha Kim Ngoc highlighted the 50 years of existence and development of VNOSMP, including 35 years of joint MIA activities, which have received significant attention from the Party and State leadership. With the combined efforts of the Ministries of National Defense, Public Security, and Foreign Affairs, along with the active cooperation of local authorities at all levels, VNOSMP has consistently fulfilled its political mission, contributing to the healing of war wounds and the advancement of Vietnam-U.S. relations.
Deputy Minister Ha Kim Ngoc emphasized that the achievements of VNOSMP would not have been possible without the support, cooperation, and assistance of the people, especially those who have selflessly gone beyond their own losses and sorrows. Their compassion and generosity have been instrumental in local-level MIA activities. Deputy Minister Ha Kim Ngoc expressed confidence that, under the guidance of both sides' leaders, and with the joint efforts of the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, National Defense, Public Security, and the U.S. partners, as well as the close coordination of relevant agencies, local authorities, and the support of the people and veterans of both countries, MIA cooperation between Vietnam and the U.S. will continue to yield positive outcomes and effectively fulfill its humanitarian mission. This cooperation will contribute to maintaining a solid foundation and elevating the Vietnam-U.S. Comprehensive Partnership to new heights.
During the ceremony, a representative from the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency expressed sincere gratitude on behalf of the families of the missing U.S. soldiers to VNOSMP, the Vietnamese experts, soldiers, and people who have participated in the search activities for missing U.S. soldiers. The representatives from Vietnam and the U.S. affirmed their determination to continue promoting this humanitarian mission, aiming to alleviate the pain of war and contribute to the development of Vietnam - U.S. relations.
Translated by Bui Linh Chi
Edison Inter-level High School