Leaders of Laos, China, Cambodia and Cuba have extended their congratulations to Vo Van Thuong on his election as Vietnam's president.

In his letter of congratulations, Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith stressed that the election of Thuong as Vietnam's president on Thursday reflects the confidence of the Communist Party, the State and people of Vietnam in the him.

The Lao President affirmed his willingness for cooperation in order to contribute to consolidating the friendship, special solidarity, comprehensive cooperation, comradeship and fraternity between the two Parties, States and peoples founded by Presidents Ho Chi Minh, and Kaysone Phomvihane and Souphanouvong, and preserved and promoted by generations of leaders of the two countries.

He expressed his belief that Thuong, with his capacity and experience, along with other Vietnamese leaders, will drive the country towards the goal of a strong country, wealthy people, and a democratic, fair and civilized society.

He noted his wish that the Vietnam-Laos relationship will be evergreen and everlasting.

Vo Van Thuong takes the oath as Vietnam's new president in Hanoi. Photo: VGP

In a congratulatory message, Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasized the neighborliness and friendship between the two countries, saying he and Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong last year reached important common perceptions on consolidating the traditional friendship, enhancing strategic exchanges, deepening the mutually beneficial cooperation, and working together for a bright future for the Vietnam-China comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership in the new era.

Xi affirmed the due importance he attaches to the bilateral ties and his readiness to work together with Thuong to foster the relations in a stable and healthy manner.

He wished Vietnam prosperity, and Vietnamese people happiness, and that Thuong will gain greater achievements in his new position.

Cambodian King Preah Bat Samdech Preah Boromneath Norodom Sihamoni extended his congratulations to Thuong, expressing his belief that he will lead Vietnam to continue reaping great achievements, developing rapidly in all spheres, and playing an important role in the region and the world.

The King also believed that relations between Cambodia and Vietnam will be more close-knit and fruitful for the sake of peace, stability, cooperation and mutual development.

President of Cuba Miguel Diaz-Canel Bermudez also extended his best regards and wish of success to President Thuong.

He expressed his strong belief that Cuba and Vietnam would continue strengthening cooperative ties in all areas as well as consolidating exemplary relations between the two Parties, States and people based on their mutual political trust and regular sharing of experience in a common effort to build socialism.

President Diaz-Canel Bermudez reaffirmed his steadfast will to continue with efforts to nurture the traditional fraternal solidarity between Cuba and Vietnam.

The 15th National Assembly elected Vo Van Thuong as the new President of Vietnam at its fourth extraordinary session on March 2.​

With 487 out of 488 votes, or 98.38% of the National Assembly's membership, the legislature passed a resolution on the election of Thuong. The resolution took effect immediately after it was approved.

Under the resolution, Thuong, who is a member of the Politburo, permanent member of the 13th Party Central Committee’s Secretariat, and a deputy of the 15th National Assembly, will serve as President of Vietnam in the 2021-2026 tenure.

Taking the oath of office the same day, Thuong vowed to stay absolutely loyal to the Fatherland, the people and the Constitution, and work hard to complete all tasks assigned by the Party, State and people.

Thuong became president weeks after his predecessor Nguyen Xuan Phuc stepped down.

On January 17, the Central Party Committee agreed to let Phuc stop serving as a member of the Politburo and the committee, Vietnam's president and chairman of the Council for National Defense and Security of the 2021-2026 term, upon his resignation request.