Seoul: South Korea's First Vice Foreign Minister Kim Hong-kyun expressed his condolences over the death of former Vietnamese President Tran Duc Luong, his office announced. Luong passed away on Tuesday at the age of 88, and a mourning altar has been established at the Vietnamese Embassy in Seoul.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Vice Minister Kim remarked on the significant contributions of the late president to Vietnam's national development and the strengthening of bilateral relations between South Korea and Vietnam. Kim extended heartfelt condolences on behalf of the South Korean government to Luong's family, the Vietnamese people, and the government of Vietnam.
Luong, who served as Vietnam's president from 1997 to 2006, was notably the first Vietnamese head of state to conduct a state visit to South Korea in 2001. During his tenure, he played a pivotal role in establishing the "Comprehensive Partnership for the 21st Century" between the two nations, marking a significant milestone in their diplomatic relations.