Government officials, diplomats, politicians, well-wishers and overseas Vietnamese in many countries around the globe have paid tribute to General Vo Nguyen Giap following the general’s death on October 4.

Over the last few days, Vietnamese Embassies and Consulates General in India, Saudi Arabia, Finland, Sri Lanka, Bulgaria, Norway, Libya, Pakistan, Brazil, Panama, Romania and South Africa have organised memorial services and opened funeral books for the General

Indian Minister of Defence A.K. Antony wrote in the funeral book that India shares the grief of Vietnamese people over the passing of one of the most respected national heroes. He said General Giap will remain an inspiration to people all over the world.

Representing the South African Foreign Ministry, Ambassador Debora Balatseng in charge of South East Asia conveyed the country’s sympathy to Vietnamese people and Government over the great loss. He described General Giap as an icon of trust and encouragement to the revolution of South African people who admired him as their own hero.

R. Mosholi, head of the Commission for External Relations of the ruling African National Congress (ACN) handed over to the Vietnamese Ambassador to South Africa a message of condolences from the ACN General Secretary. The party leader wrote that the special friendship of the late ANC President Oliver Tambo and Vietnamese leaders, including General Giap, made a significant contribution to the victory of ACN.

Meanwhile, Brazilian Deputy Foreign Minister Eduardo dos Santos on behalf of the Brazilian government expressed respect to General Giap, saying that the Vietnamese national hero is a symbol of bravery, brainpower and revolutionary spirit of a noble country.

General Giap’s passing also made the headlines of local media in many countries. Pakistan ’s two prestigious newspapers – “The Nation” and “DAWN” on October 5, one day after the Vietnamese hero’s death, gave much space to a photo of General Giap and President Ho Chi Minh, which reflected the respect of the local media for the Vietnamese military leader.

Granma newspaper – the official speaker of the Cuban Communist Party on October 14 ran a special article titled “Vietnam bids last farewell to General Giap” and gave the entire international news page to images and stories on the funeral of the General.-VNA