Vientiane (VNA)🐟 – General Director of the Lao News Agency (KPL) Vannasin Simmavong has hailed the Vietnam News Agency (VNA) as a pioneering national news agency and a trusted strategic source of information in the region and beyond on the occasion of its upcoming 80th anniversary (September 15, 1945 – 2025).

In an interview with a VNA correspondent in Vientiane, Simmavong said that over the past eight decades, the news agency has played a leading role on the ideological and political front, standing side by side with Vietnam’s revolutionary cause. From the earliest and most challenging days, its journalists were present at every frontline, bravely reporting and capturing images of the nation’s struggles. Today, VNA is not only a truthful narrator of the country’s history but also a highly regarded and trusted source of strategic information for regional and international audiences. He stressed that VNA has consistently provided accurate, clear, prompt and continuous news, contributing to the dissemination of the Party’s policies and State laws, promoting socio-economic development, and enhancing Vietnam’s image and prestige worldwide. For the international press, its news, images and videos have always been a vital, highly reliable source. Highlighting bilateral ties, Simmavong said VNA and KPL enjoy long-standing, close cooperation that reflects the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between the two Parties, States and peoples. KPL currently uses hundreds of VNA news items, photos and videos each month, significantly improving its content and presentation while underscoring the close bond between the two national news agencies. Beyond professional collaboration, VNA serves as an important “information bridge” between the Vietnamese and Lao peoples. The KPL leader stressed that the great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between Laos and Vietnam is an invaluable asset and a decisive factor for the revolutionary success of both nations. In this relationship, cooperation between VNA and KPL has long stood as a symbol of enduring solidarity and a highlight in international media cooperation. VNA has promptly and effectively reported on the great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between the two countries' Parties, States and people, covering high-level visits as well as cultural, economic, educational and defence exchanges. These reports have helped strengthen the enduring Vietnam–Laos solidarity and conveyed a message of this exemplary relationship to the region and the wider world. On the international stage, VNA has played a prominent role, particularly within the Organisation of Asia-Pacific News Agencies (OANA). Established in 1961 at the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation’s initiative, OANA serves as a platform for major regional media agencies to promote information exchange and professional cooperation. VNA has long been an active contributor, helping to narrow communication gaps and foster mutual understanding among nations. Its election to the OANA Executive Board, including the 2025-2028 term, reflects the strong trust it enjoys from the international community. Simmavong also praised VNA’s adaptability in the digital era, noting its efforts to innovate content and delivery methods while maintaining accuracy, timeliness and appeal. He acknowledged, however, that digital growth also brings challenges such as fake news, misinformation, hostile allegations and online scams. Against this backdrop, VNA has upheld its responsibility as a national news agency, ensuring truthful and objective reporting while leveraging technology to maximise the benefits and minimise the risks of social media. Over the past 80 years, it has become one of the region’s leading news agencies, a vanguard force on the ideological and cultural front, and a bridge of friendship between Vietnam and the world, particularly Laos. Its achievements are not only a source of pride for Vietnamese journalism but also vivid proof of the power of information, solidarity and international cooperation. Looking ahead, with its proud tradition and ongoing innovation, VNA is expected to continue its pioneering role, contributing to Vietnam’s development while nurturing the great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between Laos and Vietnam, and advancing the growth of journalism across the region and the world./.