Rep. Omar Joins Bicameral Congressional Delegation To Vietnam, Indonesia

MINNEAPOLIS – Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) joined a bicameral congressional delegation to Vietnam and Indonesia. The delegation worked to advance both bilateral relations as well as multilateral relations with members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

The goals of the trip included enhancing cooperation on climate, upholding human rights, and assisting nations of ASEAN to protect and enhance their sovereignty and security. Joining Omar was Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-OR), who led the trip, Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), as well as Representatives Pramila Jayapal (D-WA), Lloyd Doggett (D-TX).

“This was a profoundly significant trip—not just because of our partnership with Vietnam and Indonesia—but because of the critical lessons both countries provide on recovery following war and human rights abuses,” Rep. Omar said. “This trip was initially planned by Senator Patrick Leahy, who worked for decades with Vietnam to address the legacy of war and ensuring funding for programs to help with the effect of chemicals like Agent Orange.”

“This was an opportunity to give assurances that that work will continue, and discuss the massive security and climate challenges both Vietnam and Indonesia face. I am confident that with Senators Merkley and Van Hollen, who serves as Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations East Asia subcommittee, that we are in good hands with capable Senators who will carry on the legacy of Patrick Leahy.” 

Over eight days, the delegation attended over 35 meetings with top government officials, leadership from the ASEAN, civil society organizations, industry leaders, and Americans working in both countries – from U.S. business executives to Peace Corps Volunteers.

In Vietnam, the delegation examined the painful wartime legacy of the Vietnam conflict and the inspiring efforts toward reconciliation, including projects that seek to remediate dioxin from Agent Orange, clear land mines, account for both U.S. and Vietnamese prisoners of war and soldiers missing in action, and support children with disabilities stemming from the war. In Indonesia, which is serving as the 2023 ASEAN chair, the delegation focused on how ASEAN can contribute to regional stability, especially with regards to the conflict in Burma, and ways the U.S. can support ASEAN efforts to stand up to the PRC’S coercive behavior. 

In an effort to better understand how climate chaos is impacting local communities and ecosystems, the delegation traveled outside the capitals of both countries to areas most at risk. In Vietnam, the delegation visited a town on the Mekong River, which is already affected by rising sea levels, and met with students, climate change experts, and fish farmers. In Indonesia, the delegation traveled to the rainforest in Borneo to examine biodiversity conservation and forest management efforts through visits to orangutan sanctuaries, mangroves, and the new Indonesian capital.