Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, in a letter to Vietnam’s Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on Jul 20, noted that Mr Trong’s multi-decade career in the party, including 13 years as General Secretary, contributed significantly to the country’s rapid economic growth and improvements to the lives of its people.
“As General Secretary, his emphasis on party-building and dedication to stamping out corruption provided important direction for the reform and strengthening of the CPV and the State,” he said.
Mr Wong said Mr Trong was also a close friend of Singapore, whose visit to the country in September 2012 led to Singapore and Vietnam establishing a Strategic Partnership the following year.
“Please accept my deepest condolences during this difficult time,” said Mr Wong.
Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Vivian Balakrishnan also paid tribute to Mr Trong, noting that under his leadership Vietnam rose to not only become a regional economic power, but also a “deft diplomatic actor”.