U.S. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken, along with a U.S. delegation sent by President Joe Biden, on Saturday evening offered incense in tribute to General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong and extended condolences to the late Party leader's spouse Ngo Thi Man, as well as his family at their residence on Thien Quang Street in Hanoi.

Blinken conveyed U.S. President Joe Biden’s condolences to Ngo Thi Man and her family over the passing of Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

He stressed that the leaders and officials of the U.S. government, including President Biden, always regarded General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong as a friend and trusted partner.

Blinken added that under the Party chief's vision and leadership, the friendship and relations between Vietnam and the U.S. were nurtured and developed robustly, reaching a comprehensive strategic partnership, the highest level in Vietnam's international relations.

The U.S. diplomat hailed Party General Secretary Trong as a model for reconciliation between the two countries and a bridge builder between their peoples.

He affirmed that President Biden, the U.S. administration, and the American people would always remember and honor the legacy of the Vietnamese Party leader.

He also said that they cherish the good memories of the late Party chief, who created historical milestones in the relations between Hanoi and Washington.

On behalf of the family, Ngo Thi Man expressed her heartfelt appreciation for the kind sentiments from the U.S., President Biden, and Secretary Blinken toward her husband. 

She remarked that during his lifetime, the late Party leader was dedicated to fostering the Vietnam-U.S. relationship, adding that he and President Biden issued a joint statement on the elevation of the Vietnam-U.S. relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership in September 2023. 

She believed that the two nations would continue to effectively implement the joint statement to further promote and deepen their cooperative ties in the best interests of their peoples.

The U.S. Department of State had earlier announced that Blinken would travel to Vietnam on July 24 to attend the state funeral of General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, held on July 25 and 26.

However, he delayed the trip to attend a meeting between President Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House on July 25.

Over the past few days, nearly 100 international delegations have arrived in Vietnam to pay respects to General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, who passed away at 1:38 pm on July 19 in Hanoi at the age of 80.

More than 3,000 delegations have paid tribute to the Vietnamese Party chief at 94 Vietnamese representative agencies abroad.

Over 100 countries and territories, together with 21 international organizations and forums, have sent nearly 400 telegrams, letters, and messages of condolence to Vietnam.

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