General Khamtay Siphandone, former Chairman of the Central Committee of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party, former President of the Lao People's Democratic Republic - an outstanding leader, steadfast revolutionary soldier of the Lao Party and people, and a great and close friend of the Party, State and people of Vietnam, passed away at 10:30 a.m. on April 2, 2025, at the age of 101.
The Embassy of the Lao People's Democratic Republic opened a condolence book for former Chairman of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party and former President of Laos Khamtay Siphandone in Hanoi. Photo: Duong Giang/VNA
Many Vietnamese cadres, lecturers and experts expressed their respect and sorrow upon learning that General Khamtay Siphandone had passed away. Many people assessed that General Khamtay Siphandone was one of the first generation core leaders of the Central Committee of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party, who led and directed the national democratic revolution in the past and the cause of protecting and developing the country. General Khamtay Siphandone was also a pioneer in organizing and implementing the Party's comprehensive and principled renovation policy. He was an exemplary patriot, revolutionary and an outstanding leader of the Party and the Lao people. Throughout his life, General Khamtay Siphandone devoted his intelligence and strength to the revolutionary cause of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party, to the development of the country and to the prosperous and happy life of the Lao people of all ethnic groups.
A shining example of loyalty to the Fatherland and the people
Dr. Dao Ngoc Bau, Director of the Institute of Politics and International Relations, Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics, said that General Khamtay Siphandone was one of the outstanding leaders of the Lao revolution, who devoted his entire life to the cause of fighting for independence and developing the country. From his young years, he participated in the revolution, becoming one of the key leaders of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party, persistently leading the resistance war against colonialism and imperialism, gradually leading Laos to complete victory in 1975. After independence, he continued to hold the responsibility of leading the country, successively holding important positions such as Commander-in-Chief of the Army, Prime Minister, Chairman of the Party Central Committee, and President.
During the most difficult periods of Laos, he led the Party and State to propose and implement important policies, stabilize the political situation, and gradually develop the country along the path of innovation and integration while still maintaining its identity and socialist orientation. Under his leadership, Laos not only consolidated its independence and sovereignty but also built a solid foundation for socio-economic development and strengthened foreign relations, including a special relationship with Vietnam.
"The life and career of General Khamtay Siphandone is a shining example of loyalty to the Fatherland and people, of steadfast will and great sense of responsibility towards the nation. The legacy he left behind will continue to light the way for the development of Laos, while he also contributed greatly to building the special friendship and solidarity between Vietnam and Laos, a relationship that has been forged by the efforts and dedication of generations of leaders and people of the two countries," Dr. Dao Ngoc Bau shared.
As a journalist who has studied and worked in Laos for many years, Ms. Tran Tuong Khanh (former reporter of Vietnam News Agency) said she was shocked to hear the news of General Khamtay Siphandone's death. Journalist Tran Tuong Khanh said that for a country and a nation like Laos, to be able to overcome difficult and challenging times, a steady leader is needed. That person is General Khamtay Siphandone.
As the first generation of the Party when Laos was founded, General Khamtay Siphandone was a leader who made great contributions to the country. He led the Lao revolution through difficult times, especially during the transition to a market economy. With a new mindset, he pioneered and opened the door to the first private enterprises in the country - a major breakthrough in economic development and then the birth of local civil society organizations - a turning point in social development. These are the premises in both theoretical and practical thinking for Laos to firmly step on the path of building socialism.
Important factors in building Vietnam - Laos relationship
According to Director of the Institute of Politics and International Relations Dao Ngoc Bau, the Vietnam-Laos relationship is a special relationship, forged from the arduous years of the struggle for independence, when the two nations stood shoulder to shoulder for a common goal. Over the decades, this relationship has been continuously consolidated and developed, becoming an invaluable asset of the two Parties, two States and peoples of the two countries. General Khamtay Siphandone, former Chairman of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party and former President of the Lao People's Democratic Republic, has made important contributions to building and developing this special relationship.
During the period of national liberation struggle, he directly commanded the Lao revolutionary forces to closely coordinate with the Vietnamese volunteer army on the battlefield, laying a solid foundation for the close relationship between the two countries. After Laos gained independence, in his positions as Prime Minister, Party Chairman and State President, he continued to devote much effort to consolidating and expanding Vietnam - Laos cooperation in all fields. He directed the implementation of many important agreements between the two countries, promoting economic, defense, educational and people-to-people cooperation, bringing the Vietnam - Laos relationship increasingly deeper and more effective.
The contributions of General Khamtay Siphandone not only left a deep mark in the history of the relationship between the two countries but also laid a solid foundation for today's and future generations to continue to preserve and promote the tradition of special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Laos. He once emphasized: "The special solidarity, comprehensive cooperation and fighting alliance between Laos and Vietnam are still a fundamental factor determining the victory of the revolutions of the two countries as well as of each country. The Lao army and people always preserve and promote that strong relationship and consider it a matter of survival for the two countries."
The speech of General Khamtay Siphandone shows that the Vietnam-Laos solidarity is not only a historical value but also has profound practical significance, and is a driving force for the sustainable development of both nations. In the context of many changes in the world, continuing to preserve and strengthen this relationship is not only the responsibility of today's generation but also a factor that ensures the prosperous and peaceful future of both nations.
Agreeing with the above opinion, journalist Tran Tuong Khanh analyzed that during the war, the Laos - Vietnam fighting alliance that he organized and led to the victories of the revolution was a typical example of General Khamtay Siphandone's contribution to the friendly relationship between the two countries. In the cause of protecting and building the country during the crisis of socialism, he remained steadfast in the foreign policy of his predecessors, maintained cooperation with Vietnam, supported Vietnam in its policies and innovation, and researched and consulted for Laos. Under the leadership of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party, of which he was the head, the cooperative relationship between Vietnam and Laos opened a new chapter, going into depth and trust.
"With a large number of Lao and Vietnamese cadres, students and pupils studying in both countries, more than ever, they are a human resource promoting socio-economic development and also preserving the strong friendship between Vietnam and Laos. I respect and appreciate the contribution and vision of General Khamtay Siphandone to strengthen the loyal friendship between the two countries," emphasized journalist Tran Tuong Khanh.
According to Baotintuc.vn
Source: http://www.baohoabinh.com.vn/50/199890/Dai-tuong-Khamtay-Siphand111ne-Tam-guong-sang-ve-long-loyalty-thanh-voi-To-quoc-va-nhan-dan.htm
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