Brussels: Lao Ambassador to Belgium Kingphokeo Phommahaxay, accompanied by his spouse and embassy officials, visited the Vietnamese Embassy in Brussels on August 26 to extend congratulations on the occasion of the 80th National Day of Vietnam, commemorating the period from September 2, 1945, to 2025.

According to Lao News Agency, Vietnamese Ambassador to Belgium and Head of the Vietnamese Mission to the EU, Nguyen Van Thao, highlighted the enduring friendship between Vietnam and Laos. He noted that this relationship was forged through years of struggle for national independence and has been continuously reinforced during the development of both countries. Ambassador Thao briefed the Lao delegation on Vietnam's key socio-economic achievements and international integration, reaffirming the country's foreign policy of independence and self-reliance. He emphasized that Vietnam remains a reliable partner and responsible international actor, with the Vietnam-Laos friendship serving as a solid and lasting foundation.

Ambassador Kingphokeo Phommahaxay warmly congratulated the Vietnamese people on their 80-year journey, praising Vietnam's comprehensive development under the leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam. He expressed confidence that Vietnam will continue to achieve new successes and contribute to regional and global peace, stability, and sustainable development.

On the same day, a delegation from the Lao Embassy in Austria, led by Ambassador Khampheng Douangthongla, visited the Vietnamese Embassy in Vienna to offer congratulations. The Lao ambassador commended Vietnam's achievements over the past eight decades in politics, economy, foreign affairs, and national defense and security, noting its growing regional and global standing.

Vietnamese Ambassador to Austria Vu Le Thai Hoang reaffirmed that Vietnam values the enduring solidarity and steadfast friendship extended by Laos throughout history, from the independence struggle to current nation-building efforts. He stressed that the Vietnam-Laos friendship is an invaluable asset nurtured by generations of leaders and peoples, continuing to strengthen and expected to grow more resilient in the future.

The two ambassadors also discussed initiatives to enhance bilateral cooperation and exchanges between the embassies, within ASEAN frameworks, at multilateral forums, at the United Nations in Vienna, and in relations with their host countries.