Japanese Ambassador Umeda Kunio wrote on the mourning book for former Prime Minister Phan Van Khai. (Photo: Thanh Vu/ VNA)

Representatives from the embassies of Cuba, Brazil, Nigeria, Bulgaria, and ASEAN countries were among the attendees at the mourning service. Philippine Ambassador Neol Sirvigon, said: “We learned that former Prime Minister Phan Van Khai made great contributions to Vietnam’s renewal process. He left many legacies during his Prime Minister term. We’d like to extend our deep condolences to all Vietnamese people and the family of the former Prime Minister.”

Pham Hung Son, Vice President of the Vietnam Fatherland Front of Quang Ninh province, said: “We are moved to pay our last respects to former Prime Minister Phan Van Khai. When he was a Party and government leader, he visited Quang Ninh several times and met with local people and senior revolutionaries.”

People traveled hundreds of kilometers from distant provinces to pay incense tribute to former PM Khai, who was well-known for his simple lifestyle and wholehearted support for the disadvantaged.  

Vo Van Tuan from An Giang province said: “I left my hometown yesterday and arrived at the palace this morning. Former PM Phan Van Khai once helped my family. Now I want to offer incense to him. He always cared for and helped the poor and small businesses.”

Duong Van Bao, a war veteran, said he had received much support from the former PM, adding: “I was lucky enough to meet the former PM in his hometown. I will never forget his smile and his warmth like a relative. As soldiers, today we will remember him, burn incense to him, and accompany him to his final resting place.”

Phan Nhu Lam, former Vice Secretary of Da Nang’s Party Committee, said: “What I learned from the former PM was his closeness to the public, his understanding of the public, and his desire to work for them. Also, his serious and wholehearted way of working. And finally, his effort to teach generations of cadres to lead a honest, incorruptible, and sociable lifestyle.”