Vietnam hands over servicemen’s remains to the US
VOV.VN - Vietnam on December 5 handed over to the United States two boxes of remains believed to be US soldiers missing in action during the war in Vietnam.
The ceremony, held in Da Nang City, was attended by leaders of the Vietnam Office for Seeking Missing Persons (VNOSMP) and representatives from the Ministry of National Defense, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Ministry of Public Security.
From the US side, Deputy Ambassador to Vietnam Courtney Beale, the head of the US MIA Office, and MIA specialists who participated in the 157th joint search mission from October - December 2024, were also present.
These remains were resulted from a unilateral excavation operation carried out by Vietnam in Quang Ninh and Yen Bai provinces during the 157th search mission.
The remains were examined by forensic experts from both Vietnam and the US, and it was concluded that they might be related to US soldiers missing in action during the war in Vietnam. They will be sent to Hawaii, the US, for further forensic examination and identification.
This is the 168th repatriation of US military remains missing in action (MIA) during the war in Vietnam.
Humanitarian cooperation between the two countries in the search and recovery of US soldiers missing in action in Vietnam began after the signing of the Paris Agreement in 1973. It has since achieved positive results, including the identification and return of more than 730 US soldiers’ remains after the war.
After both countries established a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in September 2023, this activity has gained increased attention and is being further promoted as an important pillar of cooperation. It not only reflects the humanitarian spirit of the Vietnamese people but also helps heal the wounds of war, build trust and goodwill, and facilitate deeper cooperation between Vietnam and the US in many areas.
