In a message of condolence, Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena said he was “deeply saddened” by the passing of Vietnamese President Tran Dai Quang and extended condolences to the Government and people of Vietnam as well as Quang’s family.
“I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of HE Tran Dai Quang, President of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam. My condolences to his loved ones, the government and the people of Vietnam,” the Sri Lankan President tweeted on Saturday.
President Quang passed away at 10:05 a.m on Friday at the 108 Military Hospital in the capital city. He had been suffering from a rare viral illness that doctors could not cure.
During his political career, he held several high-ranking positions, and was the Minister of Public Security before being selected to the country’s highest office in April 2016.
Quang was also a member the Politburo, the top decision-making body of the Communist Party of Vietnam.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chinese President Xi Jinping, U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin are among world leaders who have extended condolences to the Party, nation and people of Vietnam, and to Quang’s family.
-with inputs from agencies
