Foreign Minister mourns passing of US anti-war activists Peter and Cora Weiss

Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Hoai Trung has sent a letter of profound condolences to the family of Peter and Cora Weiss, long-standing US friends of Vietnam, on their recent passing.

Peter Weiss, who died at age 100, and Cora Weiss, at 91, were dedicated US advocates for Vietnam over decades, playing an important role in the anti-Vietnam War movement and subsequent efforts to normalise bilateral relations.

Throughout the war, the couple lent robust support to anti-war and humanitarian activities, helping shape progressive US public sentiment toward Vietnam.

Cora Weiss stood out as a prominent leader in the US anti-war movement, relentlessly calling for the cessation of bombing campaigns, the withdrawal of US troops, and respect for the Vietnamese people’s right to self-determination. In the postwar era, the couple remained deeply engaged, championing the work of the Vietnam - US Fund for Reconciliation and Development and amplifying calls for Washington to lift its embargo on Vietnam.

Peter Weiss was among the first foreign visitors to Hanoi while the embargo remained in place. Following his trip, he briefed members of the Transnational Institute on Vietnam’s postwar realities, appealing for global assistance in reconstruction and pressing the US to end its economic blockade. These actions laid a humane and public opinion groundwork conducive to the reconciliation and the eventual normalisation of Vietnam–US ties, leaving a valuable legacy for people-to-people ties rooted in empathy, solidarity and a shared commitment to peace.

The couple sustained strong, lasting connections with Vietnam's diplomatic service, frequently joining and supporting Vietnam's outreach events in the US. Even in their 90s and despite declining health, they attended a September 2024 gathering between Party General Secretary To Lam, who was also State President then, and US friends on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly's 79th session High-Level Week, a testament to their continued interest in Vietnam and Vietnam - US relations.

At that event, Cora Weiss was bestowed the Friendship Order by General Secretary and President Lam, a move showing the Vietnamese Party, State and people's recognition of her decades-long contributions to Vietnam's revolutionary cause./.