With the passing of Xaysomphone Phomvihane, the Party, State and people of Laos have lost a talented and exemplary leader, while the Party, State and people of Vietnam have lost a close, loyal and trusted friend and a comrade who always stood side by side with them.

Since the 1960s and 1970s, many Swiss people have joined anti-war movements and spoken out in support of independence and peace for Vietnam. After the war, this solidarity continued through humanitarian activities, community support, and efforts to stand alongside those still suffering the consequences of the war, including victims of Agent Orange/dioxin.

On August 7 in Hanoi, Nguyen Ngoc Hung, Vice President of the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations, received Chad Ford, Vice President of IESC (United States), and presented him with the Certificate of Registration for the establishment of IESC’s Representative Office in Vietnam. The two sides also discussed the implementation of the “US-Vietnam Agricultural Trade Expansion and Food Safety” project, which aims to promote digital transformation, modernize agriculture, and expand development cooperation between the two countries.

Vietnam and Thailand share a close relationship rooted in history and culture. Long before the two countries officially established diplomatic relations, President Ho Chi Minh played an important role in fostering the bond between their peoples. Although he spent only a relatively short period in Thailand, he left behind a profound legacy of friendship.