Former President of the People's Democratic Republic of Laos Choummaly Sayasone in an interview with VOV's correspondent. (photo: VOV)

When he was a military commander and top leader of the Communist Party of Vietnam, he paid special attention to improving the close relationship and cooperation between the Vietnamese and Lao Parties, States, and peoples. Mr. Choummaly Sayasone said: "Comrade Le Kha Phieu was a faithful revolutionary veteran and an outstanding leader. He grew up in difficulties. He excellently fulfilled his duties at different positions. In the army he was an outstanding commander, making important contributions to building the Vietnamese elite, professional army and ensuring policies for soldiers and their relatives. He paid special attention to building the Party, Army, and personnel training.”

Mr. Sayasone said former Party General Secretary Le Kha Phieu had profound understanding of the Lao revolution and made great contributions to strengthening Vietnam-Lao relations: “Comrade Le Kha Phieu was one of the Vietnamese senior leaders with deep understanding of the Lao revolution. He strongly supported Laos’ revolution and development. He joined in battles and understood the Ho Chi Minh trail that Vietnamese people used to unite the country. He fought in the Lam Son 719 campaign in Laos. When he was a military commander, he met with many Lao high-ranking leaders, including me when I was a Defense Minister. We met several times in the spirit of comradeship and companions in arm to discuss comprehensive cooperation between the two countries and parties and regional and global issues.”

Choummaly Sayasone expressed his deep condolences for the death of former Party General Secretary Le Kha Phieu. He extended his condolences to the Vietnamese Party, State, people, and the family of Mr. Phieu. He pledged to continue the revolutionary path to protect and nurture the traditional friendly relationship between Vietnam and Laos.