Laos announces state funeral in memorial of Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong

Bouakhong Nammavong, head of the office of Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone, said at a press meet that the Lao Party and government have agreed to hold a state funeral throughout the nation, including at Lao embassies and other Lao diplomatic representatives abroad. Flags will be flown at half-mast and all entertainment activities will be suspended, Vietnam News Agency reported.

Lao Party General Secretary and President Thongloun Sisoulith will lead a high-ranking delegation to participate in the memorial and funerary ceremonies for Trong in Hanoi, which will be held on Thursday and Friday. The Lao government will also send groups to pay respect for Trong at the Vietnamese Embassy in Vientiane.

The Lao Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been requested to organize the 57th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting and Related Meetings in Laos from July 21 to 27 in the most appropriate way, and to inform all delegates participating in the event about it.

Lao leaders on Friday last week sent condolences upon hearing of Trong’s passing. They commended him as having dedicated himself to the people’s liberation cause, national unity and the Party’s efforts for change, developing Vietnam and elevating the country’s standing on both the regional and global stage.

Cuba earlier also announced state mourning for the Vietnamese leader.