The Vietnamese leader passed away in Hanoi on Friday. He was 80.

The announcement said that General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong made significant contributions to the unceasing development of the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between the Parties, States, and peoples of the two countries.

The Lao Party and Government have decided to observe state mourning in Laos and at the countries' embassies and diplomatic missions abroad by flying flags at half-mast and suspending all forms of entertainment activities on Thursday and Friday, the announcement said.

A high-ranking delegation led by General Secretary of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party Central Committee and President of Laos Thongloun Sisulith will attend Mr. Trong’s funeral in Hanoi.