The passing of the head of state of Laos’ neighbour and close political ally Vietnam, President Tran Dai Quang, 61, has led to the expected condolences and tributes from the nation’s political and state leadership.
“On behalf of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party (LPRP) Central Committee, the National Assembly and Government of Laos and the Lao Front for National Construction, Party General Secretary and President Bounnhang Volachit on Friday cabled a message of condolences to the Communist Party of Việt Nam Central Committee, the National Assembly and Government of Việt Nam, and the Việt Nam Fatherland Front Central Committee, in which he expressed his deep condolences over the passing of President Quang,” Vietnam News reported.
A state funeral is expected to be held this week in Hanoi, with representation at the highest level from Laos most likely.
The presidents of the two countries met in January this year in Hanoi, and President Tran also received a courtesy call from Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith at the end of March.
According to the Vietnam News Agency, the Vietnamese President died at Military Central Hospital 108 due to serious illness.
Mr. Quang is survived by his wife and two sons.
His death is expected to leave a vacancy to be filled in the country’s state and party institutions including the Party’s powerful policymaking Political Bureau (Politbureau) on which he was ranked second after General Secretary Nguyễn Phú Trọng.
President Tran Dai Quang was elected State President at the 11th session of the 13th National Assembly on April 2, 2016.
Born on October 12, 1956, he joined the Communist Party of Vietnam on July 26, 1980, his career involving service in a litany of State and Party committee positions, including serving as Minister of Public Security with the rank of General.
