Ban mourns death of former prime minister of Viet Nam

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon voiced his profound sadness today after learning of the death of the former Vietnamese prime minister Vo Van Kiet.

Mr. Ban offered his condolences to the family of the late leader, as well as to the people and Government of Viet Nam, in a statement issued by his spokesperson.

“As a major force behind the economic reforms in Viet Nam that started in the late 1980s, Mr. Vo Van Kiet paved the way for the country’s transition from poverty to a decade of impressive economic growth,” the statement noted.

“During his time as the prime minister from 1991 to 1997, he also played a pivotal role in improving Viet Nam’s diplomatic relations with other countries.”