(KPL/VNA) State President Luong Cuong, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, and National Assembly Vice Chairman Nguyen Khac Dinh on April 4 led high-level delegations from the Vietnamese State, Government, and NA to a memorial service in honour of Khamtay Siphandone, former President of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party (LPRP) Central Committee and former President of Laos.

Following the tribute-paying ceremony at the Lao Embassy in Hanoi, President Cuong shared in the condolence book his deep sadness over the passing of Khamtay Siphandone, an outstanding leader of the Lao people and a steadfast revolutionary who dedicated his whole life to the cause of national independence, the happiness of the people, and the country’s prosperity.

PM Chinh expressed in his message that the passing is a great loss to the Party, State, and people of Laos. The Vietnamese leaders and people have lost a great friend and a close comrade who dedicated himself to the revolutionary cause of both nations and the special Vietnam-Laos relationship.

NA Vice Chairman Dinh wrote that the NA and people of Vietnam will always cherish and appreciate the late comrade’s invaluable contributions and support in laying the solid foundation for and continuously strengthening the practical and effective cooperation between the two NAs. His efforts further deepened the two countries’ great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation.

On behalf of the Lao Party, State, and people, Lao Ambassador to Vietnam Khamphao Ernthavanh expressed gratitude to the Vietnamese leaders for their heartfelt condolences, which reflect the rare, special, loyal, pure and profound bond between the two nations.

On the same day, delegations from various central and local agencies, ministries, and organisations also paid their respects and signed the condolence book at the embassy, as well as the Lao Consulates General in Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh City.

KPL