Foreign Minister Le Hoai Trung extends condolences over the passing of Cora and Peter Weiss
WVR - Upon learning of the passing of Cora and Peter Weiss, great friends of Vietnam, in the final days of 2025, on behalf of the Party, Government, and people of Vietnam, Member of the Party Central Committee's Secretariat and Foreign Minister Le Hoai Trung sent heartfelt condolences to the entire Weiss family.
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| Cora and Peter Weiss in an interview with Vietnamese media, January 2023. (Source: VNA) |
Peter Weiss (born in 1925) and Cora Weiss (born in 1934) were devoted American friends of Vietnam for many decades. The Weiss couple played a significant role in the anti-Vietnam War movement and later efforts to normalize relations between the two countries.
During the war, they strongly supported anti-war and humanitarian activities, contributing to progressive public opinion in the U.S. in favor of Vietnam.
Cora Weiss was a prominent leader in the American anti-war movement, persistently advocating for an end to bombings, troop withdrawals, and respect for Vietnam's self-determination.
After the war, the Weiss couple continued to actively promote the Vietnam-U.S. Reconciliation and Development Fund and strongly advocated for the U.S. government to lift the embargo on Vietnam.
Peter Weiss was among the first international guests to visit Hanoi during the embargo. Following his visit, he presented at the TNI members' conference on Vietnam's situation, urging international support for reconstruction and advocating for the U.S. to lift its economic blockade on Vietnam.
Their efforts laid a humanitarian foundation and positive public opinion for the reconciliation and normalization process between Vietnam and the U.S., leaving a valuable legacy for people-to-people relations based on empathy, solidarity, and a belief in the value of peace.
For Vietnam's diplomatic sector, the Weiss couple maintained a deep connection and interest. They frequently participated in and supported Vietnam's diplomatic activities in the U.S.
In their 90s, despite declining health, Cora and Peter Weiss attended a meeting between General Secretary and President To Lam and American friends on the occasion of the 79th UN General Assembly High-Level Week (September 2024), demonstrating their continued interest in Vietnam and Vietnam-U.S. relations.
On this occasion, Cora Weiss was honoured with the Friendship Order by General Secretary and President To Lam, affirming the recognition by the Party, State, and people of Vietnam for her support and contributions to Vietnam's revolutionary cause.
