Flags dressed with black ribbons fly at half mast at the headquarters of the Hà Nội People's Committee. — VNA/VNS Photo

HÀ NỘI — Việt Nam has declared two days of national mourning to honour Khamtay Siphandone, former President of the Lao People's Democratic Republic and former Chairman of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party, who passed away on April 2.

The national flags were flown at half mast with black ribbons at the National Assembly building. — VNA/VNS Photo

Half-mast flag with black ribbons at the Ba Đình Square. — VNA/VNS Photo

In recognition of the close and special relationship between Việt Nam and Laos, Vietnamese authorities announced that official mourning will be observed from April 4 to 5.

Half-mast flags with black ribbons at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. — VNA/VNS Photo

Half-mast flags with black ribbons at the Vietnam News Agency. — VNA/VNS Photo

During this period, all government offices, public institutions and Vietnamese diplomatic missions abroad must fly the national flag at half-mast with a black ribbon. Public entertainment and recreational activities will be suspended nationwide. — VNS

Half-mast flag with a back ribbon at the Hà Nội's Flag Tower. — VNA/VNS Photo

President of Việt Nam Lương Cường led a delegation to pay homage to the late Lao leader at the Lao Embassy in Hà Nội on Friday. — VNA/VNS Photo

Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính led a delegation to pay hommage to the late leader on Friday. — VNA/VNS Photo

Vice Chairman of the National Assembly Nguyễn Khắc Định led a delegation pay hommage to the late leader on Friday. — VNA/VNS Photo

Standing Member of the Party Central Committee’s Secretariat Trần Cẩm Tú extended condolences to the Ambassado, and officials of the Lao Embassy on Friday. — VNA/VNS Photo

The Lao Embassy has opened the book of condolences for the late Lao leader. — VNA/VNS Photo

A delegation from HCM City paid tribute to the late leader on Friday. — VNA/VNS Photo

General Director of Vietnam News Agency Vũ Việt Trang wrote in the condolence book after paying hommage to the late leader. — VNA/VNS Photo