ISLAMABAD : Pakistan-Asean Friendship Association paid homage to the former Vietnamese president Tran Duc Luong who passed away recently.

A delegation of the Pakistan-Asean Friendship Association, led by its chairman Zafar Bakhtawari visited the Vietnamese embassy and offered condolences to Vietnamese Ambassador Pham Anh Tuan on the passing of the former president.

Accompanied by the association members Asim Abbasi and Malik Mohsin Khalid, Mr Bakhtawari signed the condolence book, and wrote that former president Tran Duc Luong was a great political leader who led Vietnam forward with national unity and solidarity.

Under his leadership, Vietnam achieved not only internal stability but also gained a prominent position on the global stage.

Late president Luong introduced economic reforms that have turned Vietnam into a key economic power in the eastern world today.

“Mr Luong promoted Vietnam’s positive role not only in the Asean region but also at the international level. Under his leadership, Vietnam embraced the principles of peace, development and prosperity, which became the solid foundation of the country,” Mr Bakhtawari said.

Later, talking to the Vietnamese ambassador the delegation discussed the potentials for promoting exchange of trade delegations, cultural ties and establishing joint ventures between the two countries.

Published in Dawn, May 25th, 2025