The decision was made by the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee, the National Assembly, the President, the Government and the Vietnam Fatherland Front Central Committee, in recognition of his contributions to the Lao revolutionary cause and the great friendship and special solidarity between Vietnam and Laos.

According to announcements by Vietnam’s Party and State leadership, Xaysomphone Phomvihane was a key leader of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party who made important contributions to the Lao revolutionary cause and to the protection, construction and development of Laos.

Throughout his career, he also played an important role in preserving, strengthening and developing the great friendship, special solidarity, comprehensive cooperation and strategic cohesion between Vietnam and Laos.

His passing is a great loss to the Party, State and people of Laos, as well as a loss to the special friendship between Vietnam and Laos.

During the national mourning period, government agencies and offices across Vietnam, as well as Vietnamese representative missions abroad, will fly the national flag at half-mast with mourning ribbons in accordance with regulations. Public entertainment and recreational activities will not be held.

Meanwhile, Politburo member and National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man will lead a high-level Vietnamese Party and State delegation to Vientiane, Laos, to pay respects to the top Lao legislator.

The trip reflects the deep sentiments and sympathy of the Party, State and people of Vietnam following the passing of the senior Lao leader, while reaffirming the special solidarity and close bonds between the two Parties, States and peoples.

Xaysomphone Phomvihane was born on December 12, 1956. He was a Politburo member of the Central Committee of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party and President of the National Assembly of Laos. He passed away on August 8 at the age of 70 after a period of battling severe vasculitis.

To commemorate Saysomphone Phomvihane and honour his contributions, the Central Committee of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party and the Lao Government have agreed to observe five days of national mourning, starting August 9.

Vietnam and Laos share experience in building self-reliant economy

VOV.VN - Vietnamese and Lao scholars exchanged policy experience and discussed ways to strengthen economic self-reliance and strategic research cooperation at an international conference held in Vientiane on August 5.