The Vietnam's President Tran Dai Quang, the country's second in command after the Communist party's leader, passed away on Friday in Hanoi due to serious illness.

The 61-year-old Quang died at 10:05 am (local time) at the military hospital, reported Vietnam News Agency.

Quang made no public appearances for more than a month last year, raising speculation about his health.

He had been in power since April 2, 2016, after being nominated by his predecessor Truong Tan Sang and elected to the post by the National Assembly of Vietnam.

The late president  also served as Vietnam's Minister of Public Security and Vice Head of the Committee on HIV/AIDS Prevention. Tran Dai Quang.

(Featured image: Time)