Vietnam has declared a two-day national mourning period from April 4 to 5 to honor former President of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party Khamtai Siphandone, who died Wednesday at the age of 101, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The mourning period, which also recognizes the special relationship between the two nations, was jointly declared by the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee, the National Assembly, the State President, the Government, and the Vietnam Fatherland Front Central Committee, the ministry said Thursday.

During the two days of mourning, government offices and public institutions across Vietnam, as well as Vietnamese diplomatic missions abroad, will fly flags at half-mast with mourning bands in accordance with official protocol. Public entertainment and celebratory events will be suspended nationwide.

Also on Thursday, Vietnamese Party General Secretary To Lam led a high-ranking Party and State delegation to Laos to pay tribute to the late Laotian leader, who was also former State President and former Prime Minister of Laos.

In Vientiane, Lam met with Laotian President Thongloun Sisoulith, who also serves as General Secretary of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party, and with Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone, son of the late leader.

Lam conveyed deep sorrow over Khamtai Siphandone’s passing and extended condolences to Laotian leaders, the Laotian people, and the former leader’s family.

He praised Khamtai as a distinguished first-generation revolutionary who played a pivotal role in Laos’s national liberation, development, and defense. He also called him a trusted and steadfast friend of Vietnam, who had stood alongside the country during its struggle for independence and postwar reconstruction.

Khamtai Siphandone, former President of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party, former State President, and former Prime Minister of Laos, who passed away on April 2, 2025. Photo: VNA

Lam noted that Khamtai’s death is a great loss to both nations and said the two-day national mourning period reflects Vietnam’s deep respect for his contributions to the Vietnam-Laos relationship.

On behalf of the family, Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone expressed heartfelt appreciation for the Vietnamese delegation’s visit, noting it was the first foreign delegation to arrive and offer condolences. He said the visit demonstrated Vietnam’s strong affection for his late father, who was widely respected in both Laos and Vietnam.

In a solemn and emotional ceremony, the leaders of both nations recalled Khamtai Siphandone’s revolutionary career and reaffirmed their commitment to preserving and strengthening the special solidarity between Vietnam and Laos for future generations.

Also on Thursday, Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh sent a message of condolence to Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son also extended condolences to Laotian Foreign Minister Thongsavanh Phomvihane and Bounleua Phandanouvong, acting head of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party Central Committee’s Commission for External Relations.

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