Hanoi (VNA) – The Vietnamese embassies in China, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand on May 24 held respect-paying ceremonies for former Politburo member and former State President Tran Duc Luong, who passed away on May 20 at the age of 88.

In Beijing, the ceremony was attended by senior representatives from various Chinese ministries, departments, associations, and organisations. They paid their respects and wrote in the book of condolence, recognising the significant contributions by the late leader to Vietnam’s national development and to the advancement of Vietnam – China relations. Particular emphasis was placed on his role in promoting the “16-word motto” and the “four-good spirit”, both of which have underpinned the strengthening of bilateral ties.

Over 30 ambassadors, chargés d’affaires, and representatives of diplomatic missions and international organisations in Beijing also attended the event or sent condolences to the embassy.

Later that day, on behalf of the Chinese Party, Government, and people, Party General Secretary and President of China Xi Jinping conveyed a message of condolence to Vietnamese Party General Secretary To Lam and State President Luong Cuong. He described Tran Duc Luong as an outstanding leader of the Vietnamese Party and State, and acknowledged his crucial role in Vietnam’s national development and Doi moi (renewal) process.

The Consulate General of Vietnam in Hong Kong and Macau (China) also held a similar ceremony in Hong Kong. Attendees included Deputy Commissioner Pan Yundong of the Commissioner’s Office of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the special administrative region, Lao Consul General Ammala Saenchonghack, and representatives from the Indonesian Consulate General.

In Tokyo, the ambassadors of Cuba, Laos, and Sri Lanka, along with representatives from the Vietnamese Associations' Union, the Vietnamese Youth and Student Association in Japan, and other community organisations paid tribute to the late leader by offering incense and signing the condolence book.

In Singapore, Loy Hui Chien, Director-General for Southeast Asia II at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Singapore, joined the embassy’s ceremony. In the condolence book, he noted that former President Luong had ably steered Vietnam through the post-Doi moi period and the Asian financial crisis, while promoting the country’s integration with ASEAN and the wider global community.

Representatives and envoys from several embassies, including those of Laos, Cuba, China, India, Australia, Peru, and Myanmar, along with members of the Vietnamese community and student associations, also took part in the solemn occasion.

In Kuala Lumpur, alongside the Vietnamese embassy’s respect-paying event, the countries participating in the ASEAN Senior Officials’ Meeting (SOM), held on the same day, also extended condolences. Member states expressed their profound condolences to the Vietnamese Party, State, and people, and acknowledged Tran Duc Luong’s contributions to the region and to ASEAN, particularly in the first years of Vietnam’s membership.

Earlier, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim had sent the Malaysian Government’s and people’s deepest condolences to the bereaved family and the people of Vietnam.

At the Vietnamese Embassy in Bangkok, the ambassadors from Russia, the Republic of Korea, Malaysia, Cambodia, Mongolia, Sri Lanka, Oman, and Nigeria came to pay their tribute. Repres🌱entatives from the Thailand – Vietnam Friendship Association, along with executives from major Thai corporations such as the CP Group, Amata, and Central Group, were also in attendance./.