The Chairman of Vietnam’s National Assembly, Tran Thanh Man (left), pays a courtesy visit to President Thongloun Sisoulith.

Vietnamese leader pays tribute to Xaysomphone

Vietnam’s legislative leader has paid tribute to the President of Laos’ National Assembly, Mr Xaysomphone Phomvihane, describing him as a “closest brother-comrade” of the Vietnamese Party, State and people.
During a courtesy visit to the Secretary General of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party and President of Laos, Mr Thongloun Sisoulith, in Vientiane on Sunday, the Chairman of Vietnam’s National Assembly, Mr Tran Thanh Man, who is a member of the Politburo of the Communist Party of Vietnam’s Central Committee, expressed deep sorrow over Mr Xaysomphone’s death on Saturday. 
Mr Tran Thanh Man described Mr Xaysomphone as a respected senior leader of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party Central Committee and a beloved leader of the Lao multi-ethnic people.

Mr Tran Thanh Man lays a wreath in tribute to Lao National Assembly President Xaysomphone Phomvihane in Vientiane.

Mr Xaysomphone had devoted his life to Laos’ struggle for independence and freedom, as well as to national development and the improved well-being of the Lao people, he said.
His passing was not only a great loss to the Lao Party, State, people and his family, but also to Vietnam, which had lost a great friend and “closest brother-comrade”, he added.
He paid tribute to Mr Xaysomphone’s contributions to building, strengthening and developing the great friendship, special solidarity, comprehensive cooperation and strategic partnership between Laos and Vietnam.
He expressed confidence that the Lao Party, State, people and Mr Xaysomphone’s family would overcome the loss and continue to advance Laos towards greater prosperity.
President Thongloun expressed deep gratitude to Mr Tran Thanh Man and his delegation for coming to Laos to share the grief of the Lao Party, State and people.
He said the visit reflected the profound bond of great friendship and special solidarity between Laos and Vietnam.
President Thongloun described Mr Xaysomphone as a senior leader of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party who made important contributions to the revolutionary cause and national defence and development.
Mr Xaysomphone was also a pioneer in advancing the Party’s renovation policy and devoted his life to national development and the well-being of the Lao people, he added.
Throughout his political career, Mr Xaysomphone paid particular attention to nurturing the Laos-Vietnam friendship and regarded it as a top priority in his foreign relations duties, President Thongloun said.
He maintained close and warm ties with the Vietnamese Party and State leadership and helped to strengthen cooperation between the two countries.
President Thongloun said the Lao Party, State, armed forces, cadres, Party members and all citizens would turn their grief and affection for Mr Xaysomphone into concrete action.
They would unite firmly around the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party Central Committee, uphold the dignity of the nation and Party, and continue to advance the Party’s renovation policy.
The two leaders expressed gratitude for the mutual support provided by their respective countries during their struggles for national liberation and their current efforts in national defence and development.
They praised the achievements in cooperation between the two countries and affirmed that the relationship would continue to deepen across various fields.
They agreed to preserve and strengthen the great friendship, special solidarity, comprehensive cooperation and strategic partnership between Laos and Vietnam so that the relationship remains strong for generations to come.
Mr Xaysomphone, a member of the Politburo of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party Central Committee and President of the Lao National Assembly, died on Saturday morning at the age of 70 after suffering severe vasculitis.
The Lao government and the Central Lao Front for National Development have declared a four-day national mourning period from August 9 to 12, to be observed at the National Convention Centre in Vientiane.
During his visit on Sunday, Mr Tran Thanh Man and his delegation laid a wreath and paid their last respects to Mr Xaysomphone.
The funeral will take place at the That Luang esplanade in Vientiane on August 12.

By Times Reporters
 (Latest Update August 10, 2026)