In the message, PM Sonexay said he had closely followed developments of storm Wipha, which made landfall in Vietnam's northern coastal region and caused serious damage to lives and property, particularly the boat capsize in Ha Long Bay.

"On behalf of the Party, Government and people of Laos, I would like to extend my sincere sympathy and deepest condolences to you, and through you to senior leaders of Vietnam, as well as to the fraternal Vietnamese Party, Government and people, especially the local authorities and families of the victims affected by this natural disaster,” he wrote.

The Lao PM also expressed his confidence that, under the close leadership and attention of the Vietnamese Party and Government, the Vietnamese people will soon overcome the difficulties and restore normal life, particularly for those affected.

Upon hearing the news about the boat sinking, Lao Minister of Foreign Affairs Thoongsavanh Phomvihane and Japanese Minister of Foreign Affairs Iwaya Takeshi also sent messages of sympathy and condolences to Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son.

Venezuela extends condolences to Vietnam following Ha Long Bay boat tragedy

The Government of Venezuela has extended its deepest condolences to Vietnam following the tragic sinking of a tourist boat in Ha Long Bay in the northern province of Quang Ninh, which left 35 people dead and four missing.