Viet Nam to observe two days of national mourning for former Lao leader

During this time, government offices and public institutions nationwide, along with Viet Nam's representative bodies abroad, will fly flags at half-mast with mourning bands. Public entertainment and celebratory events will be suspended.

On April 3 in Vientiane, General Secretary To Lam led a high-ranking Vietnamese Party and State delegation to pay tribute to General Khamtay Siphandone, who passed away a day earlier.

To Lam expressed sorrow over Khamtay's passing and conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the high-ranking leaders and people of Laos, as well as the late leader's family.

He described Khamtay as an eminent figure of the first generation of Lao revolutionaries, who played a pivotal role in building the Lao revolution, leading the national democratic revolution, and safeguarding and developing the country.

The former Lao leader also a pioneer in implementing the LPRP's comprehensive renewal policy, and a loyal, close and steadfast friend of Viet Nam who stood shoulder to shoulder with the Vietnamese people through their struggles for national protection and the nation building.

"His passing is a great loss to the Party, State, and people of both Laos and Viet Nam," he added.

In rely, Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone expressed sincere gratitude to Lam and the Vietnamese delegation, noting that they were the first to come to Laos to offer condolences to the Lao Party and State, and the later leader's family. This gesture, he noted, reflects the deep bond and affection for their beloved father, a great leader of the Lao Party, State, and people.

He stressed that future generations of Lao leaders will continue to work alongside their Vietnamese counterparts to nurture the special friendship and solidarity between Viet Nam and Laos, built and nurtured by President Ho Chi Minh, President Kaysone Phomvihane, President Souphanouvong, and other leaders of both countries.

The same day, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh sent a message of condolences to his Lao counterpart Sonexay Siphandone on the passing of the latter's father, Khamtay Siphandone.

Alongside Vietnamese President Ho Chi Minh, Lao President Kaysone Phomvihane, President Souphanouvong, and President Khamtay Siphandone, the leaders of both countries laid the solid foundations for the unique and enduring relationship between Viet Nam and Laos./.