Thornberry & Codel Discuss Defense Cooperation with Vietnamese Officials

Washington, DC, June 2, 2017
HANOI, VIETNAM - While Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc traveled to Washington, DC, this week to meet with President Trump and other U.S. officials, a bipartisan congressional delegation led by House Armed Services Chairman Mac Thornberry discussed defense cooperation, joint POW/MIA efforts, and regional security with officials in Hanoi. The group also visited Hoa Lo prison where they were joined by Senator John McCain who shared stories about the years he spent imprisoned there.

HANOI, VIETNAM - While Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc traveled to Washington, DC, this week to meet with President Trump and other U.S. officials, a bipartisan congressional delegation led by House Armed Services Chairman Mac Thornberry discussed defense cooperation, joint POW/MIA efforts, and regional security with officials in Hanoi. The group also visited Hoa Lo prison where they were joined by Senator John McCain who shared stories about the years he spent imprisoned there.

"Visiting Hoa Lo with Senator McCain and having him share the story of his imprisonment with us was a truly moving experience. It is a story of incredible sacrifice, determination, resiliency, and forgiveness. It is also reminder of why America is so exceptional. It is a moment we will not soon forget and we are grateful he shared it with us."

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Members met with Marines stationed the U.S. Embassy in Hanoi

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Members pause for a photo outside the Hoa Lo Prison

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Rep. Byrne (AL) and Rep. Murphy (FL) sign the visitor book at the Hoa Lo Prison