Vietnam declares national mourning for former Lao president
THE HANOI TIMES — Vietnam has declared a two-day national mourning period starting on April 4, 2025, to commemorate Khamtay Siphandone, former Chairman of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party (LPRP) and former President of Laos, who died on April 2, at the age of 102.
General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam To Lam on pays respects to former President Khamtay Siphandone in Vientiane on April 3. Photos: VNA
During the mourning period, all government offices, institutions, and Vietnamese diplomatic missions overseas will lower their flags to half-mast and suspend public entertainment activities.
On April 3, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam To Lam led a high-level Vietnamese delegation to Laos to pay respects and express condolences to Lao leaders.
The moves demonstrate Vietnam's deep appreciation for General Khamtay Siphandone's role in strengthening the unique bond between Vietnam and Laos.
General Secretary To Lam on April 3 meets Thongloun Sisoulith, General Secretary of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party and President of Laos.
General Khamtay Siphandone (1923-2025) bolstered Vietnam-Laos relations and promoted socialist solidarity as LPRP Chairman (1991-2006) and President (1998-2006). He advanced diplomacy, trade, and infrastructure like cross-border roads, as well as Vietnamese investment in Laos, mainly agriculture, energy, and rural development. Siphandone’s emphasis on a shared revolutionary heritage deepened political trust and economic ties, cementing a legacy of mutual respect.
The Vietnam-Laos "special relationship" is a strong bond born of a shared revolutionary history and socialism, solidified through wartime cooperation by top leaders such as Khamtay Siphandone. The special relationship covers many areas, emphasizing political trust, trade, infrastructure, mutual support, and people-to-people ties.
