Vientiane (VNA) 🅺– Despite regional and global uncertainties, the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between Laos and Vietnam have grown ever stronger, bringing practical benefits to the people of both countries, said Bounthong Chitmany, Politburo member, Permanent member of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party (LPRP) Central Committee’s Secretariat and Vice President of Laos.

Bounthong made the remarks at a meeting in Vientiane on August 30 to mark the 80th National Day of Vietnam (September 2, 1945 – 2025). The event was co-organised by the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party Central Committee, the Government, the Lao Front for National Construction Central Committee, and the Laos - Vietnam Friendship Association Central Committee. The official said bilateral cooperation across politics, defence-security, economy, culture, education, and health has become increasingly effective. Vietnam remains one of the largest investors in Laos with total registered capital of 5.8 billion USD, while two-way trade is expected to hit 5 billion USD this year, he noted.

He recalled that the establishment of the Indochinese Communist Party by President Ho Chi Minh laid the foundation for the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) and the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party. From that revolutionary cause, the Vietnamese people launched the August Revolution in 1945, giving birth to the Democratic Republic of Vietnam, now the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. This historic victory not only ushered in an era of independence and freedom for Vietnam but also created favourable conditions for the Lao people to declare independence on October 12, 1945. Entering the period of national development, Vietnam reaffirmed its resolve with the Doi Moi (renewal) process in 1986. Over nearly four decades, under the leadership of the CPV, the country has maintained political stability, achieved major socio-economic growth, improved living standards, and enhanced its international standing. According to Bounthong, these achievements are not only the pride of the Vietnamese people, but also a strong source of motivation to encourage the Lao people in the cause of national protection and development. Every victory of Laos has been closely linked to the faithful support of Vietnam, from standing shoulder to shoulder during the liberation struggle to assisting Laos today with initiatives such as access to Vietnamese seaports to boost connectivity and economic growth. He affirmed the determination of the Lao Party, Government, and people to join hands with Vietnam in safeguarding and nurturing the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation so that future generations may continue to inherit and build on it, worthy of the sacrifices of generations of leaders and revolutionaries. Speaking at the ceremony, Vietnamese Ambassador to Laos Nguyen Minh Tam stressed that the August Revolution and the National Day on September 2 marked a turning point that transformed the Vietnamese people from colonial subjects into masters of their nation, affirming Vietnam’s prestige in the international arena. After 80 years, and nearly 40 years of Doi Moi, Vietnam has achieved major successes in economic development, foreign affairs, and global integration while ensuring political stability and better living conditions for its people. The ambassador underlined that every victory of Vietnam has also been inseparable from the wholehearted support of the Lao Party, State, and people. The special Vietnam–Laos relationship is a priceless common asset nurtured through generations and will continue to be preserved and promoted, he said. Tam also voiced his confidence that the Lao people will continue to secure new achievements in building a peaceful and prosperous nation. Also on August 30, the Vietnamese Consulate General in Savannakhet province of Laos organised a ceremony to celebrate Vietnam's National Day./.