Vietnam declares two days of national mourning for former Lao leader
On April 4–5, government offices and public institutions nationwide, along with Vietnam's representative bodies abroad, will fly flags at half-mast with mourning bands as prescribed.
Party General Secretary To Lam leads a high-ranking delegation from the Communist Party and State of Vietnam to attend the funeral of Khamtay Siphandone, former President of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party Central Committee, former State President and former Prime Minister of Laos, on April 3. (Photo: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) – Vietnam has declared a two-day national mourning period from April 4 to April 5, to honour the memory of Khamtay Siphandone, former President of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party Central Committee, and in recognition of the special relationship between the two countries.
The national mourning announcement was released by the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee, the National Assembly, the State President, the Government, and the Vietnam Fatherland Front Central Committee.
During this time, government offices and public institutions nationwide, along with Vietnam's representative bodies abroad, will fly flags at half-mast with mourning bands as prescribed. Public entertainment and celebratory events will be suspended.
Born on February 8, 1924, Khamtay Siphandone, who also served as Lao State President, Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of National Defence, passed away at 10:30 am on April 2.
A pioneering leader in the Lao revolutionary movement, he played a crucial role in securing the ultimate victory of the Lao revolution and guiding the country toward socialism. He was a close and trusted friend of Vietnam who made significant contributions to strengthening and developing the two countries’ great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation.
His passing is an immense loss for Laos and the Vietnam – Laos relationship, according to the announ𝔍cement./.
Party General Secretary To Lam on April 3 led a high-ranking Vietnamese Party and State delegation to pay their final respects to Gen. Khamtay Siphandone, former Chairman of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party (LPRP), former President and former Prime Minister of Laos, who passed away a day earlier.
Former President of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party (LPRP) and former President of Laos Khamtay Siphandone, who passed away on April 2 at the age of 102, is one of the core leaders of the first generation of the Central Committee of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party. He is a patriot, a model revolutionary, and an outstanding leader of the Party and the Lao people. Throughout his life, General Khamtay Siphandone dedicated his intellect and strength to the revolutionary cause of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party, the development of the country, and the prosperity and happiness of the Lao people of all ethnicities.
General Khamtay Siphandone, former President of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party (LPRP) Central Committee, former President of Laos and senior revolutionary of the LPRP, passed away at 10:30am on April 2 at the age of 102.
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