Vientiane (VNA) – Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong was a visionary leader and an ingenious and clear-minded diplomat who always valued relationships with countries worldwide, former Party General Secretary and President of Laos Bounnhang Vorachith told Vietnam News Agency reporters in Vientiane on July 22.
The former Lao leader extended condolences and expressed sorrow over the passing of the Vietnamese Party chief, calling him the closest friend of the Lao Party, State and people.
Vorachith praised Nguyen Phu Trong as a revolutionary leader and a resilient communist of the Vietnamese Party, State and people, who dedicated his entire life to revolutionary activities and the cause of national liberation, reunification and renewal of the Communist Party of Vietnam.
Nguyen Phu Trong played a crucial role in preserving and fostering the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between Laos and Vietnam, Vorachith said, adding that his efforts have yielded substantial results and practical benefits for the people of both countries.
He highlighted the ingenuity and insight of "diplomat" Nguyen Phu Trong, reflected via how he skillfully directed Vietnam’s foreign policy toward a "bamboo diplomacy" approach, successfully balancing relations with all countries. Notably, the promotion of Laos-Vietnam-Cambodia relations through high-level meetings of their leaders has elevated the political ties among the three countries and advanced their state-to-state relations in the new era. These efforts have enhanced the role and reputation of the Vietnamese Party and State on the global and regional stages.
Amid complex and uncertain developments in the region and the world, Vorachith called on both countries to continue preserving and tightening their great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation, remain vigilant and proactively counter any sabotage ruses from hostile forces, and enhance dissemination and education to raise public awareness, especially among the younger generation, about the long-standing traditions of their bilateral relationship./.
