Leaders of Cuba and China pay tribute to Tran Duc Luong

Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez at the Vietnamese embassy in Havana, May 25 -- image via the PCC

The leaders of Cuba and the People's Republic of China are honouring the life of Tran Duc Luong, former President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam from 1997 to 2006, who died on May 20.

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Saturday (May 24) extended condolences to General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee To Lam and Vietnamese President Luong Cuong over the news.

In his message, Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, "expressed profound condolences and extended sincere sympathies to Tran Duc Luong's family on behalf of the CPC, the Chinese government and the Chinese people."

He also hailed Comrade Tran Duc Luong as a friend to the Chinese people and as an outstanding party and state leader of Vietnam who made important contributions to the country's development and its cause of Doi Moi (reform).

René Tamayo León reports that the First Secretary of the Communist Party Central Committee and President of the Republic, Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, visited the Embassy of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam in Cuba Saturday afternoon to sign the Book of Condolences for the passing of comrade Tran Duc Luong.

After being welcomed at the entrance of the diplomatic mission by the ambassador Le Quang Long, the President paid tribute to the former president.

"The physical loss of our beloved comrade Tran Duc Luong is a regrettable event and a source of grief for the people of Cuba and Vietnam," the President wrote.

"History," he emphasized, "will forever remember your example and contribution to the process of Renewal for the prosperity of the Vietnamese people and your contribution to strengthening our historic and special relations of comradeship."

"At this time of profound sorrow," he wrote, "we extend our deepest condolences and solidarity to the Vietnamese Party, Government, and people, and we extend them to Comrade Luong's family, friends, and loved ones."