Vietnam NA Chairman Pays Tribute to Late Lao Counterpart, Reaffirms 'Special Solidarity'

President Thongloun Sisoulith, on behalf of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party (LPRP) Central Committee, the National Assembly, the President, the Government, the Lao Front for National Development, and the family of the late Mr Xaysomphone Phomvihane, expressed deep gratitude to Chairman Tran Thanh Man for leading the high-level delegation to attend the tribute ceremony for the late President of the National Assembly of Laos. President Thongloun noted that Chairman Tran Thanh Man's attendance shared in the grief of the Party, State, and multi-ethnic Lao people, while demonstrating the great friendship and consistent special solidarity between the two Parties and States. During the meeting, leaders of both nations reaffirmed that mutual support and cooperation between Laos and Vietnam remain an objective necessity and a decisive factor in the revolutionary cause of both countries. Despite complex global developments, both sides pledged to protect and foster this special, pure, and rare relationship, deepening cooperation across all fields. President Thongloun Sisoulith praised Mr Xaysomphone Phomvihane as a key, highly capable leader of the LPRP who guided the revolutionary cause in the past, as well as the ongoing protection and development of the nation. He was highlighted as a pioneer in implementing the Party’s principled, comprehensive renewal policy, a dedicated patriot, and an outstanding leader who devoted his life to national prosperity and the well-being of the Lao people. Throughout his life, Mr Xaysomphone attached great importance to nurturing the Lao-Vietnamese relationship, placing it as a top foreign policy priority. President Thongloun affirmed that the Party, State, armed forces, and Lao people will turn their grief into concrete action by strengthening unity around the Party Central Committee and continuing the socialist path. On behalf of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV), the President, the Government, the National Assembly, and the Vietnam Fatherland Front, Chairman Tran Thanh Man expressed profound condolences over the passing of Mr Xaysomphone Phomvihane. He described him as an esteemed leader of the Lao people who dedicated his life to national independence, freedom, and happiness. His passing, he noted, is a great loss not only for Laos but also for Vietnam, which has lost a great friend and close ally. Chairman Tran Thanh Man highlighted Mr Xaysomphone’s immense contribution to consolidating and expanding the great friendship, special solidarity, comprehensive cooperation, and strategic partnership between Vietnam and Laos. He expressed confidence that the Lao Party, State, and people would overcome this immense grief and continue moving the country forward. Both leaders expressed high appreciation for the historical and ongoing mutual support between the two nations and commended the progress in bilateral cooperation. They reaffirmed their commitment to preserving and developing the great friendship, special solidarity, comprehensive cooperation, and strategic partnership between Laos and Vietnam, ensuring it remains strong and everlasting. Mr Xaysomphone Phomvihane was born on December 12, 1956, in Na Mao Village, Viengxay District, Houaphanh Province. He passed away on August 8, 2026, at the age of 70 due to vasculitis. The National Funeral Organizing Committee had announced a five-day period of national mourning to honor his memory. Information Source: KPL Laos News