Party General Secretary and President of Laos Thongloun Sisoulith pays tribute to former State President Trần Đức Lương at the Vietnamese Embassy in Laos. VNA Photo

HÀ NỘI – Leaders of Laos, China, Cambodia, Cuba and Russia have sent messages and letters of condolences to Việt Nam, following the death of former Politburo member and State President Trần Đức Lương on May 20.

In their message of condolences, the Central Committee of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party, the State President, the National Assembly, the Government and the Central Committee of the Lao Front for National Construction expressed their profound sorrow and regret, describing comrade Trần Đức Lương as a distinguished statesman and a pillar of the Vietnamese Party and State, who consistently embodied the spirit of sacrifice and set an exemplary standard as a Party member. They noted his lifelong dedication to the revolutionary cause of the Vietnamese Party, the nation, and the people, and commended his unwavering commitment to the defence and prosperous development of Việt Nam.

His passing was not only a profound loss to the Vietnamese Party, State, and people, but also to their Lao counterparts, who lost a beloved friend and comrade, they said, recalling that comrade Trần Đức Lương had always shown deep care and wholehearted support for the cause of national protection and development in Laos, making significant and meaningful contributions to strengthening the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between the Parties, States, and people of Laos and Việt Nam.

In his condolence message, Party General Secretary and President of China Xi Jinping extended profound condolences to the Vietnamese Party, State, people, and the deceased's family.

He praised Lương as an outstanding leader of the Vietnamese Party and State who played a pivotal role in the country’s renewal and development. As a longtime close friend of the Chinese people, he tirelessly promoted the relationship between the two Parties and nations. 

A Chinese delegation pays final respects to former State President Trần Đức Lương at the Vietnamese Embassy in Beijing. VNA Photo

 Xi expressed confidence that under the steadfast leadership of the Communist Party of Việt Nam, led by General Secretary Tô Lâm, the Vietnamese Party, State, and people would transform their grief into strength and continue achieving new milestones in the cause of socialism building.

In their letters of condolences sent to Việt Nam’s top leaders, Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni, Queen Mother Norodom Monineath Sihanouk, Senate President Hun Sen, Prime Minister Hun Manet, and National Assembly President Khuon Sudary paid tribute to former State President Trần Đức Lương, describing him as an exceptional and dedicated leader who devoted his whole career to peace, independence, social progress and national modernisation for the well-being of the Vietnamese people. They also praised him as a long-standing, sincere friend of Cambodia and a key figure in building and developing the deep-rooted friendship between the two nations and their people.

The Cambodian King and leaders extended their deepest condolences to General Secretary Tô Lâm, senior leaders of the State, Government, National Assembly and people of Việt Nam as well as the bereaved over the great loss.

In the messages, Cuban leaders conveyed their condolences to the Party, Government and people of Việt Nam over the death of former State President Trần Đức Lương.

Miguel Díaz-Canel, First Secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba Central Committee and President of Cuba, mourned the loss of comrade Trần Đức Lương who had helped deepen the profound bonds between Cuba and Việt Nam.

Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz affirmed that Cuba would always cherish comrade Trần Đức Lương’s contributions to the bilateral friendship, while President of the National Assembly of People's Power Esteban Lazo offered heartfelt condolences to Lương’s family, friends and the Vietnamese people.

Russian President Vladimir Putin also sent a message of condolences to Vietnamese leaders, describing the late President as a great friend of Russia and highlighting his important role in advancing bilateral relations. Notably, Lương co-signed the Joint Statement on the Strategic Partnership between Việt Nam and Russia in 2001.

From Laos, Foreign Minister Thongsavanh Phomvihane and Bounleua Phandanouvong, acting head of the LPRP Central Committee’s Commission for External Relations, sent messages of condolences to Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Bùi Thanh Sơn. VNA/VNS