US-ASEAN Business Council Mourns the Passing of General Secretary Nguyễn Phú Trọng of the Communist Party of Vietnam

(Washington D.C.) The Board of Directors, members, and staff of the US-ASEAN Business Council convey their deep condolences to the family of General Secretary Nguyễn Phú Trọng, and the people of Vietnam, on his passing.

At 80 years old, General Secretary Trọng was known as a dedicated leader who tirelessly served his country and the Party since joining in 1967. General Secretary Trọng led the Vietnam Communist Party for three consecutive terms (11th, 12th and 13th) from 2011 to today, and held many important roles, including Secretary of the Central Military Commission of the Communist Party (2011 to today), President of Vietnam (2018-2021), and Chairman of the National Assembly of Vietnam (2006-2011).

With profound political insight and strategic thinking, General Secretary Trọng developed the renowned "Bamboo Diplomacy" approach, which has created historic milestones and qualitative changes in Vietnam's relations with major partners. Never before has Vietnam's position, prestige, and image as a reliable, proactive and responsible member on the international stage, been as prominent as it is today. Vietnam has also never been as deeply integrated into the global economy and international politics as it is now.

The loss of General Secretary Nguyễn Phú Trọng marks the departure of a visionary leader who served as a vital bridge between Vietnam and the United States for decades. As the first Vietnamese party leader to visit the United States, he was instrumental in advancing U.S.-Vietnam relations. His legacy is solidified by his leadership in elevating the two nations’ relationship to a Comprehensive Partnership in 2013, and a decade later, to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, Vietnam’s highest diplomatic tier, in September 2023.

General Secretary Nguyễn Phú Trọng at the Council’s Welcome Dinner in Washington D.C., July 8, 2015
General Secretary Nguyễn Phú Trọng at the Council’s Welcome Dinner in Washington D.C., July 8, 2015

“I am deeply saddened by the news of General Secretary Nguyễn Phú Trọng’s passing,” said Ambassador Ted Osius, President and CEO of the US-ASEAN Business Council and former U.S. Ambassador to Vietnam. “It was an honor to help facilitate the historic visit of General Secretary Trọng to Washington and New York in 2015. In the Oval Office, then-President Barack Obama told the General Secretary that the United States respects different political systems. At a State Department lunch, then-Vice President Joe Biden said, “Thank heaven we are here today. To see the sun through parting fog and clouds” (Trời còn để có hôm nay. Tan sương đầu ngõ vén mây giữa trời). That visit placed our bilateral relationship on a new trajectory, leading to the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership that we enjoy today.”, he added.
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General Secretary Trọng’s leadership has left a lasting legacy of peace and prosperity in Vietnam. We extend our heartfelt condolences and honor his memory by reaffirming our commitment to further strengthening economic ties between our two nations.

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About US-ASEAN Business Council

Since 1984, the US-ASEAN Business Council has been the premier advocacy organization for U.S. corporations operating within the dynamic Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Worldwide, the Council's membership of nearly 170 companies generates almost US$7 trillion in revenue and employs more than 14.5 million people.  Today our members include the largest U.S. companies conducting business in ASEAN and range from newcomers to the region to companies that have been working in Southeast Asia for more than 100 years. The Council has nine offices around the globe, in Washington, DC; New York, NY; Bangkok, Thailand; Hanoi, Vietnam; Jakarta, Indonesia; Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Manila, Philippines; Singapore; and Yangon, Myanmar.

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