Brian Jeffrey
Various delegations continue to pay their respects to General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong.
Video: Individuals awaiting their turn to pay respects to General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong.
Video: Memorial Ceremony for General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong at Nguyen Gia Thieu High School, Hanoi
* Japanese delegation, under former Prime Minister Suga Yoshihide’s leadership, pay respects to General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong. Mr. Suga represents Prime Minister Kishida Fumio.
Mr. Suga Yoshihide now advises the Japan-Vietnam Friendship Parliamentary Alliance. Visiting Vietnam in October 2020, he met General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong during his first foreign trip as Japan’s Prime Minister.
In his message of condolences, Prime Minister Kishida Fumio recalls the impactful discussions with the General Secretary, reflecting on unforgettable memories.
He expresses deep gratitude for General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong’s efforts in enhancing Vietnam-Japan relations.
“Acknowledging Mr. Nguyen Phu Trong’s excellent leadership in bolstering Japan-Vietnam ties as extensive strategic partners, I convey my heartfelt condolences and pray for his peaceful rest,” the message states.
* New Zealand delegation, led by special envoy and former Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Don McKinnon, pays respects.
Prior to the Vietnam visit, New Zealand’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Winston Peters emphasized the government’s recognition of General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong’s contributions to New Zealand-Vietnam relations by sending a representative.
Mr. Peters highlights Mr. Don McKinnon’s attendance as a sign of New Zealand’s deep respect for Vietnam’s people and government.
9:30 am: Cambodian delegation, led by Samdech Techo Hun Sen, President of the Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) and President of the Senate, paying respects.
Cambodian leader extends condolences to General Secretary’s family.
Hun Sen, a frequent visitor of General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, expresses his sorrow.
9:20 am (July 24 – New York time): UN leaders and various country ambassadors pay respects to General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong at Vietnam’s Permanent Mission to the UN in New York, USA.
9:20 am: In Lai Da village, Dong Anh District delegation, led by District Party Secretary Le Trung Kien, pays respects.
9h15: Central Committee for Health Care and Protection of Central Officials delegation, led by Tran Huy Dung, Deputy Head, pays respects.
108 Military Central Hospital delegation also pays their respects.
8h50: Delegations continue to pay respects.
Delegation from Central Committee for External Relations, under Secretary Le Hoai Trung, pays respects.
Party Central Committee Office delegation, led by Nguyen Duy Ngoc, Chief, pays respects.
General Secretary’s Office delegation, led by Dao Duc Toan, Assistant, pays respects.
Party Affairs Committee of Supreme People’s Court delegation also pays their respects.
Condolences and Respects Paid to General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong
The Supreme People’s Court, Central Mass Mobilization Committee, Central Economic Commission, and Ministry of Foreign Affairs all sent delegations to pay their respects to General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong.
The European Union delegation led by Josep Borrell expressed their condolences for the passing of General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, highlighting his role in enhancing Vietnam’s international position and partnerships with the EU.
Various Party Committees, including the Central Organization Committee, Central Inspection Committee, Central Internal Affairs Committee, Central Propaganda and Training Committee, and Central Theoretical Council also paid their respects.
Delegations from different organizations, including students from Hanoi University, Hanoi Party Committee, Central Public Security Party Committee, and foreign countries like Algeria, Vanuatu, and Switzerland, visited to pay their respects.
The Central Military Commission, Central Steering Committee on Anti-Corruption and Negative Phenomena, as well as delegations from India, Australia, South Korea, Indonesia, and Cuba paid their respects.
People from Dong Hoi, Dong Anh District, Hanoi, General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong’s hometown, gathered to pay their respects.
The Central Committee of the Vietnam Fatherland Front, National Assembly delegation, Presidential delegation, Government delegation, and Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam all paid their respects to General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong.
President To Lam and various dignitaries from different branches of the government and former leaders assembled to pay their respects to General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong.**Condolences and Respects Paid to General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong**
A delegation comprising leaders from various committees and retired officials visited General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong to express their condolences and sorrow for his passing. Colonel Nguyen Trung Tam initiated the state funeral proceedings while Politburo Member Luong Cuong read the special announcement for the funeral.
**Ho Chi Minh City Pays Tribute**
In an organized and respectful manner, local leaders in Ho Chi Minh City, led by Secretary Nguyen Van Nen, paid their respects to the late General Secretary by lighting incense. The funeral organizing committee made arrangements for wreaths and mandated the attachment of black ribbons. The family requested no monetary donations or ceremonial offerings.
**National Mourning Ceremony Begins**
Across Vietnam, a flag-lowering ceremony commenced at Ba Dinh Square in Hanoi and various locations nationwide. The national flag was flown at half-mast as a mark of respect and gratitude for the contributions of the departed leader. The ceremony was replicated at Vietnam’s diplomatic missions abroad.
**Strict Security Measures Enforced**
In preparation for the memorial service at the National Funeral Hall in Hanoi, security personnel were deployed to ensure order and safety. The area surrounding the hall was cordoned off well in advance, and strict traffic regulations were put in place. Multiple layers of security were established to maintain order throughout the proceedings.
