China’s President Xi Jinping has expressed deep condolences over the passing of Khamtay Siphandone, the former president of Laos and ex-chairman of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party (LPRP). In a message sent on Wednesday to Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith, Xi honored Khamtay as a steadfast communist, an outstanding leader, and a close friend of the Chinese people.
“Comrade Khamtay devoted his life to Laos’ reform and socialist development, making significant contributions to the relationship between our two parties and countries,” Xi said. He added that the Chinese people will always cherish Khamtay’s memory.
Emphasizing the strong ties between China and Laos, Xi noted that the two neighboring countries are not only good neighbors but also good friends, comrades, and partners. “China attaches great importance to consolidating and carrying forward the traditional friendship between our parties and countries,” he stated.
Xi expressed his willingness to work with Laos to promote the building of a China-Laos community with a shared future and the continuous progress of their respective socialist causes. He also conveyed hope that under the leadership of the LPRP Central Committee headed by General Secretary Thongloun, Laos would continue to achieve new and greater successes in national development.
