Vietnam Declares Two Days of National Mourning for Lao Parliament Speaker

The Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam has announced a two-day state funeral to mourn the passing of Mr. Saysomphone Phomvihane, a Politburo member of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party and Speaker of the National Assembly of the Lao People's Democratic Republic. He passed away on August 8, 2026, at the age of 70. Mr. Phomvihane was a key leader of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party, making significant contributions to the Lao revolution and the cause of national construction and development. He played a crucial role in inheriting, nurturing, and developing the "great friendship, special solidarity, comprehensive cooperation, and strategic partnership" between Vietnam and Laos. His passing is considered a great loss for Laos and for Vietnam-Laos relations. In recognition of this special relationship, the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam, the National Assembly of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, the President, the Government, and the Central Committee of the Vietnamese Fatherland Front have decided to hold a state funeral for Mr. Phomvihane on August 10-11, 2026. During this period, government offices nationwide and Vietnamese representative missions abroad will fly flags at half-mast and wear mourning bands as per regulations. Public entertainment activities will also be suspended. Source: Nhan Dan