Hanoi (VNA) – High-ranking delegations from the Party, State, ministries, sectors and organisations paid tribute to Khamtay Siphandone, former President of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party (LPRP) and former President of Laos, at the Embassy of Laos in Hanoi and the Consulate General of Laos in Ho Chi Minh City on April 4.
A Party delegation was led by Politburo member and permanent member of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee’s Secretariat Tran Cam Tu.
Meanwhile, Vice Chairman of the National Assembly (NA) Nguyen Khac Dinh led a NA delegation to pay homage to the late Lao leader. Writing on the condolence book, Dinh showed his deep sorrow over the passing of Khamtay, honouring Khamtay as an outstanding revolutionary leader, a distinguished son of the Lao people, and a loyal and steadfast friend of the Vietnamese Party, State, and people.
Also on April 4, General Director of the Vietnam News Agency Vu Viet Trang led the agency’s delegation to the Lao Embassy to offer condolences.
Writing on the condolence book, Trang stated that VNA staff and reporters who had the honour of meeting the preeminent leader of the Lao Party and State will always remember his dedication and guidance to the revolutionary cause of both nations and the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Laos.
Khamtay Siphandone, born on February 8, 1924, passed away at 10:30 am on April 2, according to a special communique by the LPRP Central Committee, National Assembly, and Government of Laos, and the Lao Front for National Construction Central Committee.
During the resistance war for national liberation, he stood shoulder to shoulder with Vietnamese military experts and volunteer soldiers in numerous battles on different fronts, contributing to the glorious victories of both nations in their fight against the common enemy.
In the cause of national protection, construction and development, he always cooperated closely with Vietnam to exchange and share experience, support, and assist each other. He was also one of the Lao leaders who maintained close, strong relations with Vietnamese leaders at all times, and paid due attention to nurturing, promoting, and deepening the bond between the two countries.
Meanwhile, at the Consulate General of Laos in Ho Chi Minh City, a delegation from the Party Committee, People’s Council, People’s Committee and Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee of the city led by Permanent Deputy Secretary of the municipal Party Committee Nguyen Thanh Nghi also paid tribute to the former top leader of Laos.
Expressing his condolences over the passing of the former LPRP President and former President of Laos, Nghi underlined that leaders and people of Vietnam, including those in HCM City, have lost a dear, great and loyal friend.
He stated that the Party Organisation, authorities and people of the city will always remember the special sentiments that Khamtay had for the city, and pledged that the city will continue preserving and enhancing the special bond with Lao localities, ensuring that the spirit of solidarity remains strong and enduring.
Extended his deepest condolences to the Lao Party, State, people, and the family of Khamtay, he expressed his hope that they will soon overcome the great loss and continue their efforts in building, protecting, and developing Laos.
According to an announcement released by the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee, the National Assembly, the State President, the Government, and the Vietnam Fatherland Front Central Committee, Vietnam has observed a two-day national mourning period from April 4 to April 5, to honour the memory of Khamtay Siphandone./.
