Vientiane: Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh led a high-ranking delegation of the Vietnamese Party and Government to attend the memorial service for former President of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party and former President of Laos Khamtay Siphandone in Vientiane.
According to Lao News Agency, during this occasion, the Vietnamese Government leader held meetings with Party General Secretary and President of Laos Thongloun Sisoulith, and Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone. PM Chinh, on behalf of the Party, State, and people of Vietnam, expressed profound sorrow and extended deep and sincere condolences to the Lao Party, State, people, and the bereaved family.
He conveyed his deep admiration for comrade Khamtay Siphandone’s significant contributions, which left an indelible mark on Laos’s history and the revolutionary movement of the three Indochinese countries. PM Chinh affirmed that the Vietnamese Party, State, and people greatly value and remember the role and contributions of the former Lao Party and State leader, a great friend and loyal comrade, who was crucial in fostering the special solidarity between Vietnam and Laos.
The PM expressed his strong belief that the Party, State, and people of Laos will transform this loss into a source of strength to further develop Laos into a prosperous nation. The Lao leaders, on behalf of their Party, State, and people, expressed heartfelt gratitude for the condolences extended by the Vietnamese Party, State, and people over the passing of comrade Khamtay Siphandone. They appreciated Vietnam’s decision to hold a two-day national mourning, reflecting the profound solidarity between the two nations.
Lao PM Sonexay Siphandone expressed sincere thanks for the deep affection shown by the Vietnamese Party, State, and people towards Laos, particularly towards comrade Khamtay Siphandone. He acknowledged the valuable support Vietnam has provided to Laos in its past struggles for national independence and its ongoing development efforts.
The leaders of the two countries also exchanged views on the current socio-economic development situation and priorities. The Lao leaders announced plans to send a high-ranking delegation to Vietnam to attend the fourth P4G Summit in 2025 and the grand celebration marking 50 years of Vietnam’s national reunification.
Both Vietnamese and Lao leaders affirmed their commitment to preserving and nurturing the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Laos under any circumstances.