Today, General Secretary To Lam is leading a high-level delegation of the Party and State of Vietnam to Vientiane to pay tribute to General Khamtay Siphandone, former President of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party and former President of the Lao People's Democratic Republic.

General Khamtay Siphandone, a distinguished son of the Lao nation, an outstanding leader, and a steadfast revolutionary of the Lao Party and people - as well as a close, longstanding friend of the Vietnamese Party, State, and people - passed away at 10:30 AM on April 2, at the age of 102.

In remembrance and mourning, Laos has declared a five-day national mourning period and is holding a state funeral for General Khamtay Siphandone from today through April 7 at the National Convention Center.

In a condolence message, the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam, the President, the Government, the National Assembly, the Vietnam Fatherland Front Central Committee, and the people of Vietnam expressed their deep sorrow upon hearing the news of General Khamtay Siphandone’s passing.

General Khamtay Siphandone was a leading figure of the first generation of Lao leadership and a central pillar of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party. He was a beloved son of all Lao ethnic groups and a lifelong revolutionary who devoted himself to national independence, freedom, and the happiness and prosperity of the Lao people.

His passing is a tremendous loss for the Party, State, people of Laos, and his family. For Vietnam’s Party, State, Army, and people, it means the loss of a great friend and dear comrade who stood shoulder to shoulder with Vietnam through long and arduous struggles.

“He consistently supported Vietnam’s efforts in national construction and defense and made significant contributions to building, consolidating, and developing the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Laos.

The Party, State, and people of Vietnam highly appreciate Comrade Khamtay Siphandone’s remarkable contributions to the Lao people's struggle for independence and to the protection, renewal, and development of Laos today,” the message stated.

The Vietnamese Party, State, Vietnam Fatherland Front Central Committee, and people extended their heartfelt condolences to the Party, State, Lao Front for National Construction, the people of Laos, and General Khamtay Siphandone’s family.

Vietnam expresses its belief that the brotherly Lao people and General Khamtay Siphandone’s family will soon overcome this immense grief and continue advancing the country’s path to peace and prosperity.

During the resistance wars for national liberation, President Khamtay Siphandone stood side by side with Vietnamese military experts and volunteer soldiers on various battlefields, contributing to the glorious victory shared by both nations in their fight against common enemies.

In the nation-building and development era, President Khamtay Siphandone maintained close cooperation with Vietnam, regularly exchanging experiences, offering mutual support, and strengthening bilateral ties.

He was among the Lao leaders who maintained close and enduring relationships with Vietnamese leaders across generations. He consistently nurtured and promoted the bilateral relationship, helping it to flourish and endure through time.

Tran Thuong