The funeral was attended by Party Secretary General and State President Thongloun Sisoulith, Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone, Politburo Member and Permanent Member of the Secretariat of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam Trần Cẩm Tú, as well as representatives from other countries and international organisations.

During the ceremony, President Thongloun Sisoulith delivered a eulogy honouring Saysomphone Phomvihane and recalling his more than five decades of dedicated service to the Party, the nation and the Lao people.

Saysomphone Phomvihane was born on December 12, 1956, in Na Meo Village, Sam Neua District, Houaphanh Province. He pursued higher education in Vietnam, China and the Soviet Union, ultimately earning a doctorate in political economy.  

Throughout his career, Saysomphone held a number of senior positions in the Party and State. His responsibilities included serving as Deputy Governor and Governor of Savannakhet Province, Minister of Finance, Head of the Office of the Prime Minister, Chairman of the National Assembly’s Foreign Affairs Committee, Vice President of the National Assembly, President of the Lao Front for National Development and, finally, President of the National Assembly.

In the eulogy, President Thongloun highlighted Saysomphone’s extensive knowledge and capabilities across various fields, broad vision and firm political convictions. He was also remembered for his revolutionary ethics, strong sense of responsibility, patriotic spirit, selflessness and unwavering loyalty to the Party, the nation and the people.

Throughout his decades of public service, Saysomphone remained committed to the Party’s ideals and was noted for his perseverance, prudence and ability to respond effectively to the responsibilities entrusted to him. His experience across different areas of work enabled him to make practical contributions in each position he held. 

Mr. Saysomphone devoted his life to the cause of protecting and developing the country, consistently placing the interests of the Party, the nation and the people above personal interests.

He was also remembered for his modest and frugal lifestyle and his close ties with the people. He was described as sincere toward his comrades, generous toward those around him, firm on matters of principle and disciplined in his work. These qualities earned him the respect and trust of his colleagues, the Lao people of all ethnic groups and international friends.

For his lifelong contributions and dedication to national development, Saysomphone received numerous honours and commendations from the Party and government, as well as recognition from international partners. 

His passing was described as a major loss to the Party, State and people of Laos. The country has lost a senior leader and an important figure who devoted more than five decades to national service.

His death has brought profound sorrow and mourning to the Party and State, his family, relatives, friends and comrades, as well as people across Laos and international friends who knew and worked with him. 

KPL