Vientiane: The 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day of Vietnam is not only a source of pride for the Vietnamese people but also a moment of joy for neighboring Laos, affirmed Bounleua Phandanouvong, Chairman of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party Central Committee’s Commission for External Relations.
According to Lao News Agency, Bounleua shared his observations with Vietnam News Agency reporters based in Vientiane, reflecting on Vietnam’s transformation over the past eight decades. He noted the significant strides made since the launch of the Doi Moi (renewal) process nearly 40 years ago, highlighting Vietnam’s political stability, national defense, security, and its reputation as one of Asia’s safest countries, which have fueled foreign investment and economic growth. The per capita income rose from 440 USD in 2000 to over 4,000 USD today, with living standards steadily increasing. Vietnam’s global stature has also grown, evidenced by its two terms as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council.
Bounleua emphasized that Laos, as a close neighbor bound by special relations with Vietnam, takes pride in these achievements as if they were its own. He added that Vietnam’s success offers encouragement and inspiration to Laos in its national construction and development.
The official expressed confidence that under the leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam and the strategic vision of its high-ranking leaders, Vietnam would continue to achieve greater success in national defense and development.
Bounleua stressed that the Laos-Vietnam relationship transcends mere admiration, rooted in a historic bond forged through shared struggles against colonialists and imperialists. Under the Indochinese Communist Party’s leadership, the two nations fought together in pivotal campaigns, from the 1954 Dien Bien Phu victory to the 1975 Spring Offensive. He described the sacrifices of tens of thousands of Lao and Vietnamese soldiers for independence as ‘an invaluable common asset’ and ‘a law of survival and development’ for both nations.
Today, Laos and Vietnam continue to deepen ties across politics, national defense-security, economy and trade, and investment. Vietnam is among the leading investors in Laos, with political relations marked by special trust. Education and training have become a hallmark of cooperation, with around 16,000 Lao students currently studying in Vietnam, seen as a vital intellectual force for Laos’s future.
The two Parties and Governments are advancing joint strategic projects, including the Vientiane-Hanoi expressway, which will expand economic, transport, and tourism links between the two capital cities.
Looking ahead, Bounleua stressed the need to further bolster economic collaboration to match their strong political ties, while deepening efforts to educate younger generations about the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between Laos and Vietnam.
Vietnam’s 80th National Day is both a celebration of its historic journey and a reaffirmation of the rare and loyal bond that continues to unite the two nations, he concluded.