Vientiane: Lao leaders have commended Vietnam’s significant achievements over the past 80 years of nation-building and development, emphasizing their importance for both Vietnam’s regional and global stature and the strengthening of the friendship and cooperation between Laos and Vietnam.

According to Lao News Agency, Professor Boviengkham Vongdara, Minister of Technology and Communications of Laos, spoke to Vietnam News Agency correspondents in Vientiane ahead of Vietnam’s 80th National Day. He highlighted that the success of the August Revolution in 1945 marked a new era of independence for Vietnam, despite the challenges that lay ahead. Under the leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) and President Ho Chi Minh, the Vietnamese people demonstrated unity and courage to overcome adversities and achieve historic victories.

After reunification, Vietnam embarked on the Doi moi (Renewal) process in 1986, overcoming war devastation and embargoes. This initiative helped Vietnam transition from a state of underdevelopment to a dynamic economy with an increasing international presence. Vietnam’s foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, peace, cooperation, and friendship has established it as a reliable friend and trusted partner in the international community, while maintaining strong support for Laos and other partners.

Professor Boviengkham expressed that the Laos-Vietnam relationship serves as a global model, initially forged during wartime when both nations fought together for independence. This bond has been maintained in peacetime through various cooperative efforts. As President of the Laos-Vietnam Friendship Association, he committed to continue working with the Vietnam-Laos Friendship Association to preserve this legacy, emphasizing the importance of educating younger generations and enhancing exchanges in culture, education, science and technology, health, tourism, trade, investment, agriculture, and digital transformation.

Alounxay Sounnalath, Secretary of the Party Committee and Governor of Champasak province, echoed these sentiments, acknowledging Vietnam’s 80-year journey as intertwined with world history and Laos’s own path. He lauded the Vietnamese people’s spirit in their national liberation struggle and their progress in various sectors under the CPV’s leadership.

He stressed that the Laos-Vietnam friendship is a unique treasure that must be protected and nurtured, especially by younger generations who will continue this noble tradition.