Vietnam and Laos mark six decades of special solidarity, great relationship

The close bond originally founded by late President Ho Chi Minh of Vietnam and late President Kaysone Phomvihane of Laos has stood the test of time over the past decades in order to develop positively and become an invaluable asset of the two nations.

Party General Secretary and President of Laos Thongloun Sisoulith affirmed, “This was an important historical event in the relationship between the two countries that created a new turning point in the victory on the diplomatic front for the revolutionary forces of the two parties of Vietnam and Laos.”

Both countries greatly supported each other in their respective struggles for national liberation and independence, together generating unparalleled strength and being an important factor in the victory of their revolutions.

Most notably, Prime Minister Pham Van Dong of Vietnam and President Kaysone Phomovihane signed the Vietnam – Laos Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation on July 18, 1977, opening a new chapter in the traditional friendship, comprehensive co-operation, and great relationship between the two.

During their reciprocal friendship visits, senior leaders of both sides reiterated their strong resolve to further strengthen close ties across all fields in order to consolidate and cultivate the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive co-operation. Simultaneously, they also asked for mechanisms and policies to be introduced to effectively implement the signed agreements and strategic goals set out towards a broader, more comprehensive, and long-term vision.

Evaluating co-operation results between Laos and Vietnam over recent years, incumbent Prime Minister Phankham Viphavanh of Laos noted that bilateral relations have been expanded and developed across all fields, from politics, defence and security to economics, trade, investment, science - technology, culture, and education – training. In addition, links between various ministries, agencies, and localities have also been enhanced to bring about greater efficiency.

The world is now developing in a rapid, unpredictable, and complicated manner, with hostile forces doing their utmost to sabotage and distort the historic relationship. Amid these challenges, the situation therefore requires the Parties, States, and peoples of the two countries to stay highly vigilant, proactively prevent subversive schemes, and constantly pay attention to, care for, and educate younger generations to entrust them with the task of protecting and constantly promoting the close bond.

Party General Secretary and President Sisoulith emphasised that the Party, State, and people of Laos remain determined to work alongside their Vietnamese counterparts at all levels to uphold and develop the tradition of great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive co-operation between the two countries for mutual benefit.

Vietnam and Laos are celebrating 60 years of diplomatic relations and 45 years of their Treaty for Friendship and Cooperation, with a range of activities being held in both countries. The achievements recorded by Vietnam and Laos over the past six decades are expected to serve as a great source of encouragement for the two countries as they seek to reap future successes in national development and international integration.