THE Communist Party of India (Marxist) is deeply pained to note the passing away of Comrade Nguyen Phu Trong, general secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) on July 19 at the age of 80. Comrade Phu Trong breathed his last after a period of illness and old age.

Comrade Phu Trong devoted his entire lifetime to the revolutionary cause, the country and the people. He was elected as the general secretary of the CPV for three terms and strove hard to build a strong party that plays its role in Doi Moi (national renewal), without severing from the path of socialism. He served the country in various capacities, as the chairperson of the National Assembly, president of the country, commander-in-chief of the Vietnamese defence forces and guided Vietnam on the path of stable development.

Comrade Nguyen Phu Trong was a theoretician who constantly studied and followed the path of great revolutionary Ho Chi Minh. He was committed to the ideology of Marxism-Leninism and lived a simple life with high morality. Under his guidance, the Party waged an unrelenting fight against corruption at all levels of public life. He gave immense importance to culture in the building of a socialist society. He was a true internationalist, who stood in solidarity with the people of Global South and strove for good relations with all countries.

The CPI(M) dips its banner in memory of the departed comrade and pays its respectful homage. It conveys its heartfelt condolences to the CPV, his family and the people of Vietnam.