National Secretary of the French Communist Party (FCP) Pierre Laurent has extended his deep sympathy to Vietnam over the passing of General Vo Nguyen Giap, who died on October 4 at the age of 103.

In his message of condolence sent to General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Nguyen Phu Trong, the FCP leader described General Giap as one of the most eminent figures in mankind’s struggle for liberation over the last century.

General Giap played a decisive role in Vietnam’s victory against the French forces who had ruled the country for 40 years, he said in his message.

The Peruvian Communist Party - Red Fatherland also sent their commiserations to Party General Secretary Trong. They mourned the loss of “an exemplary patriot, an outstanding communist leader, a brilliant military strategist and an example to the world in fighting against colonialism.” They stated that his work with President Ho Chi Minh for national liberation had opened up a path to socialism which has benefited Vietnam.

In a message sent to the CPV Central Committee, the Communist Party of the Peoples of Spain stated that although he has passed away, General Giap’s legacy will never be forgotten by people all over the world.

The President of Chile extended his deepest sympathies to Vietnam’s President Truong Tan Sang and the country’s people, saying that General Giap remains an outstanding military symbol of Vietnam’s modern history and battle for independence.

A representative from the Communist Party of Chile said the General would always be remembered as a hero of the Vietnamese people’s struggles for freedom and as the great master of revolutionary warfare.

President of the Cambodian Senate Chea Sim and Speaker of the Cambodian National Assembly Heng Samrin both sent messages of condolence, declaring that while General Giap’s death is a great loss to the Vietnamese people, his patriotism and achievements have left their mark on history.

The foreign ministers of France and Nicaragua also paid tribute to the General in messages to their Vietnamese counterpart Pham Binh Minh.

General Giap – Great friend of China

The Chinese people see General Vo Nguyen Giap as a great friend, as he, in any position, made important contributions to the China-Vietnam friendship and cooperation.

The remark was made by Zhang Dewei, Vice President of the China-Vietnam Friendship Association, in his recent interview granted to a Vietnam News Agency correspondent in Beijing on the Chinese people’s feelings after hearing the news of General Giap’s passing.

Zhang, who is a former Chinese Ambassador to Vietnam, said he feels sorrow at General Giap’s passing and wants to extend his deep sympathy to his family.

Many Chinese people are familiar with General Giap and his great contributions to the friendship between the two countries, and they often call him “the famous General”, but according to Zhang, he is worthy of being a “Great General.”

Former Chinese Ambassador to Vietnam Qi Jianguo also said that Vo Nguyen Giap is a world-renowned general and his name will be forever associated with the Vietnamese nation’s resistance wars against France and the US.

He also recalled his unforgettable memories of the three times he met General Giap in 1990, 2000 and 2004.

Wang Delun, a former Chinese advisor in Vietnam, said he was heartbroken when he heard the news that General Giap had passed away, the same feeling he had when his relatives died.

“The death of General Giap is a great loss to China as it has lost a good friend,” he said.

Senior Lao officials to attend Giap’s funeral

A high-ranking Lao delegation led by General Secretary of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party and President Choummaly Sayasone will attend the national funeral of General Vo Nguyen Giap in Hanoi on October 12.

Sayason will be accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister cum Defence Minister Duongchay Phichit, Minister of Education and Sports Phankham Viphavanh, National Assembly Vice Chairman Saysomphon Phomvihan who is also President of the Laos – Vietnam Friendship Association, and President of the Lao Front for National Construction Phanduongchit Vongsa.

Chief of the General Staff of the Lao People’s Army Suvon Luongbunmi along with other high-ranking Party and State officials will also attend the event.