Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet leads a delegation to place a wreath in tribute to former President Khamtay Siphandone. --Photo Pasaxon

Cambodian PM pays tribute to former LPRPCC Chairman, President of Laos

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet on Saturday led a delegation paying tribute to former Chairman of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party Central Committee and former President of Laos, General Khamtay Siphandone, who died on April 2 at the age of 102.
PM Manet laid a wreath and signed the book of condolence at the National Convention Centre in Vientiane, where the body of President Khamtay lies in state.
On the same day, PM Manet, who is also Vice President of the Cambodian People’s Party, called on Party Secretary General and President Thongloun Sisoulith at the Party’s Administration Office.
Secretary General Thongloun, on behalf of the Party, state and people of Laos, as well as the Siphandone family and on his own behalf, expressed profound thanks to PM Manet for leading the delegation from the Party and state of Cambodia to pay homage to the former Lao leader.
The Lao leader said this reflected the sound friendship and cooperation between the two neighbouring countries in line with the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two parties, states, and peoples.
Secretary General Thongloun expressed gratitude to the Party, state and people of Cambodia for their unwavering support and assistance to Laos during the country’s revolutionary struggle and current efforts to advance national development and defence.
PM Manet handed over a letter of condolence from the President of the Cambodian People’s Party, Hun Sen, to Secretary General Thongloun.
PM Manet, on behalf of the Party, government and people of Cambodia, extended deepest sympathy over the passing of Comrade Khamtay Siphandone. 
General Khamtay was one of the first generation of leaders of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party and a key member of the nucleus of the LPRP Central Committee that led and guided the revolution, as well as spearheading the mission of national development and defence.
General Khamtay was a great patriot and a revolutionary soldier, and an outstanding leader of the Party and the nation. Throughout his life, General Khamtay devoted his wisdom and strength to the revolutionary cause, to the development of the country, and to the well-being of Lao people of all ethnic groups.
The Cambodian PM said the passing of Comrade General Khamtay Siphandone was a great loss for the Party, state and people of Laos, and the loss of a close friend of Cambodia’s Party, state and people.
Party Secretary General Thongloun expressed his gratitude to His Majesty King Norodom Sihamoni of the Kingdom of Cambodia for sending a message of condolence on the passing of Comrade General Khamtay Siphandone.
He conveyed his greetings and gratitude to His Majesty the King and Mr Hun Sen, and other leaders of Cambodia’s Party and state.
President Thongloun said the Lao people looked forward to welcoming His Majesty the King on a state visit to the Lao PDR in the near future.
During his visit, PM Manet also called on Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone.

By Times Reporters
 (Latest Update April 7, 2025)