Condolence Letters from Singapore Leaders on the Passing of Former Lao Prime Minister General Sisavath Keobounphanh

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has written to Lao Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith to convey his condolences on the passing of former Lao Prime Minister and Vice President General Sisavath Keobounphanh. Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong also wrote to General Sisavath’s daughter, Dr Inlavanh Keobounphanh, President of the Lao Women’s Union, to convey his condolences. 

The text of the letters is appended.

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18 May 2020

Dear Prime Minister Thongloun,

Please accept my condolences on the passing of General Sisavath Keobounphanh, former Prime Minister and Vice President of Laos, on 12 May 2020.  

General Sisavath will be remembered for his steadfast commitment to Laos’ independence efforts. He helped establish the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party and the Lao People’s Army – two institutions which continue to stand tall in Laos today. During his long political career, he served loyally in many capacities, only retiring in his eighties. He stewarded Laos through many difficult periods, including the aftermath of the Asian Financial Crisis, and left an indelible mark on the country. 

My thoughts are with General Sisavath’s family and the people of Laos.

Yours sincerely,

LEE HSIEN LOONG

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His Excellency Thongloun Sisoulith

Prime Minister

Lao People’s Democratic Republic

18 May 2020

Her Excellency Dr Inlavanh Keobounphanh

President of the Lao Women’s Union

Lao People’s Democratic Republic

Dear Excellency,

          I was saddened to learn of the passing of your beloved father, General Sisavath Keobounphanh, former Prime Minister and Vice President of Laos, on 12 May 2020.

Your father and I were counterparts when he was Prime Minister from 1998 to 2001, shortly after Laos joined ASEAN. I had the pleasure of hosting him when he made an official visit to Singapore in August 1998. Singapore was among the first few countries which he visited after becoming Prime Minister in 1998. His visit contributed to the continued strengthening of bilateral relations between Laos and Singapore. His devotion to Laos’ independence and development will be long remembered.

I extend my deepest condolences and wish you and your family strength during this period of grief.

Yours sincerely,

GOH CHOK TONG

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