At exactly 1:38pm on July 19, 2024, the heart of General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam, Nguyen Phu Trong - an outstanding student of President Ho Chi Minh, one of our Party's exceptional leaders, a great theorist, a prominent cultural figure of our nation, and a deeply humane and devoted "true son" of our people - ceased beating forever.

This is an immeasurable loss for our Party, our country, and our people.

The entire 80 years of General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong's life were devoted to the people, the Party, and the nation. He truly earned the trust of the Party and the love of the people, enhancing the nation's strength and prestige, and bringing honor and glory to our nation and race.

As one of the Party's exceptional leaders, he held numerous positions: Member of the Party Central Committee for seven terms (from the VII to XIII Congresses), Politburo Member for six terms (from the VIII to XIII Congresses), Standing Member of the Politburo during the VIII term, General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam for the XI, XII, and XIII terms, President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam from 2016 to 2021, Chairman of the National Assembly for the XI and XII terms, Chairman of the National Defense and Security Council, Secretary of the Central Military Commission, Chairman of the Central Theoretical Council, Member of the Standing Committee of the Central Public Security Party Committee, Head of the Central Steering Committee for Anti-Corruption and Negativity. Comrade Nguyen Phu Trong, along with the entire Party, strategically planned and creatively led comprehensive and synchronized reforms, harnessing the power of national unity and international solidarity for nearly 40 years, achieving significant historical successes for a prosperous Vietnam and the happiness of the people.

As an outstanding theorist, a talented and independent strategist, and a steadfast and innovative practical leader, General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong and the entire Party inherited and developed the achievements of the Vietnamese revolution. They actively summarized national and international practices, building and developing the Theory of Socialist Renewal, contributing to the enrichment and development of Marxism-Leninism and Ho Chi Minh Thought, and constructing a unique and creative Vietnamese socialism for over 40 years. This work enriched the global revolutionary theory and practical experience, opening a scientific vision and action plan for Vietnamese socialism, advancing alongside the times, toward 2045. Simultaneously, General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong and the entire Party and people continuously innovated and developed Vietnam's political system, making the Party, State, Government, and National Assembly pillars of national development in the new era. They actively and effectively integrated internationally, continuously enhancing the nation's position, strength, and prestige on the global stage.

As a great cultural figure, General Secretary, along with the entire Party, on the foundation of Vietnamese culture, absorbed and integrated global cultural quintessence, building and developing an advanced Vietnamese culture rich in national identity. This aimed to construct a strong, sustainable, and humane Vietnam, in harmony with humanity, asserting Vietnam's strength, honor, and prestige in the international community for a peaceful, friendly, civilized, and progressive world. As a person of great character, General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong epitomized and radiated the position, value, and prestige of the Vietnamese people and the nation on the international stage.

Under the Party's banner, in the spirit of General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, we remain committed to comprehensive, innovative, and steady reforms, aiming for a prosperous Vietnam advancing alongside the world.

Dr. Nhi Le - Former Deputy Editor-in-Chief of Communist Review