Russian President Vladimir Putin offered condolences to Vietnamese President To Lam following the passing of Nguyen Phu Trong, the General Secretary of the Communist Party Central Committee. The telegram from the Russian leader conveyed sympathy and reflected a deep sense of respect for the longtime Vietnamese statesman.
Putin recalled Nguyen Phu Trong as a steadfast friend of Russia and voiced the wish to keep his memory alive. The message conveyed admiration for Trong’s years of service and the enduring ties between Russia and Vietnam, underscoring a shared history of cooperation and mutual support.
The announcement confirmed that Nguyen Phu Trong died on July 19 after a period of illness. He was eighty years old and passed away at 13:38 local time (9:38 Moscow time) in a military medical facility. His death marks the end of an influential era in Vietnamese politics and a long-standing partnership with Russia.
Trong had held the role of General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam since January 19, 2011. He also served as Vietnam’s president from 2018 to 2021, guiding the country through significant domestic and international developments. His leadership spanned a period of rapid growth and evolving regional dynamics, and his work left a lasting imprint on Vietnam’s political landscape.
Earlier this year, discussions took place between President Putin and Nguyen Phu Trong. During those talks, Putin invited the Vietnamese leader and other senior officials to visit Russia at a time that would be convenient. The invitation reflected ongoing efforts to strengthen bilateral relations and to explore new avenues for cooperation across a range of sectors including trade, culture, and regional security.
In related remarks, it was announced that Russia would consider the needs and logistics of security arrangements for important public events. The context suggested a broader commitment to ensuring stable and constructive engagement with Vietnam during times of significance for both nations.