On April 7, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh led a high-level Vietnamese delegation to pay respects and attend the memorial ceremony for Khamtay Siphandone, former President of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party and former President of the Lao PDR.

On this occasion, the Prime Minister also held meetings with General Secretary and President of Laos Thongloun Sisoulith, as well as Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone.

On behalf of the Vietnamese Party, State, and people, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh expressed profound condolences and deep sorrow to the Lao Party, State, people, and the family of Khamtay Siphandone.

The Prime Minister paid tribute to the late leader’s remarkable and enduring legacy in the history of Laos’s development and the revolutionary movements across the three Indochinese countries.

Khamtay Siphandone, once a member of the Indochinese Communist Party, played a pivotal role in leading the Lao revolutionary movement alongside his compatriots, achieving historic victories that greatly contributed to both the Lao and Vietnamese revolutions.

Prime Minister Chinh emphasized that Vietnam will always treasure and honor the vital role played by Khamtay Siphandone - a loyal, sincere, and steadfast comrade - in fostering and advancing the special solidarity between Vietnam and Laos.

He expressed confidence that the Lao Party, State, and people will turn this loss into a powerful source of strength to further build and develop the nation.

Senior Lao leaders sincerely thanked Vietnam for its condolences and deep respect, particularly highlighting the arrival of the first Vietnamese delegation led by General Secretary To Lam, and the delegation led by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh for the official memorial. Vietnam’s decision to hold two days of national mourning was also deeply appreciated.

These gestures, Lao leaders said, demonstrate the rare, steadfast, and special solidarity between the two Parties, two States, and peoples - reflecting the personal bonds between the top leaders of both nations.

Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone expressed heartfelt gratitude for Vietnam’s sincere and meaningful support, especially the special attention shown to his father, the late President Khamtay Siphandone.

The Lao Prime Minister highly praised Vietnam’s consistent and heartfelt support throughout Laos’s struggle for independence and its ongoing efforts in national construction, defense, and development.

In a solemn and emotional atmosphere, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and Lao leaders revisited the late leader’s significant contributions to the special Vietnam–Laos relationship.

They also exchanged views on each country’s current socio-economic priorities and development strategies.
Lao leaders confirmed that a high-level delegation will visit Vietnam to attend the upcoming P4G Summit on green growth and the 50th anniversary celebration of national reunification.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to preserving and nurturing the everlasting, comprehensive, and special friendship and cooperation between Vietnam and Laos, regardless of changing circumstances.