Vietnam and Laos Celebrate 60 Years of Special Friendship

At the Party Central Committee headquarters, General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong held talks with General Secretary and President of Laos Thongloun Sisoulith during his visit to Vietnam in June 2021. Photo: VOV

Under the leadership of the two parties, the people of Vietnam and Laos join hands in the struggle for national liberation and reunification, as well as in the current cause of national construction and development.

Historic events

As two neighboring countries, the close relationship between the two peoples of Vietnam and Laos has been consolidated alongside a history of nation building and defense.

Over the decades, a good traditional relationship between the two peoples has been nurtured by President Ho Chi Minh, President Kaysone Phomvihane, and President Suphanuvong.

It has been cultivated by generations of leaders of the two Parties, States and peoples of the two countries, to become an invaluable asset of the two peoples.

60 years ago, after the Geneva Agreement on Laos was signed, Vietnam and Laos agreed to establish diplomatic relations on September 5, 1962. This opens a new chapter in consolidating and developing the relationship between the two countries.

General Secretary and President of Laos Thongloun Sisoulith said. “This is an important historical event in the relationship between the two countries. It is a new turning point on the diplomatic front of the two Parties, Vietnam and Laos.”

In the struggle for national liberation and independence, the unity of the two peoples of Vietnam and Laos has become an incomparable strength and an important factor contributing to the victory of the two countries’ revolutions.

Comprehensive cooperation in all fields

Realizing the importance of strengthening relations and cooperation in all fields, on July 18, 1977, Prime Minister Pham Van Dong and President Kaysone Phomvihane signed the Vietnam-Laos Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation. Since then, the comprehensive cooperation between the two countries has developed.

Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and Lao Prime Minister Khamphan Viphavan launched the Vietnam-Laos and Laos-Vietnam Friendship Solidarity Year 2022. Photo: VOV

“The political relationship between the two countries continues to be closely linked, mutual trust is at a high level, and senior leaders regularly meet in various forms,” said Lao Prime Minister Phankham Viphavanh.

“Defense, security and foreign affairs cooperation is increasingly close. Cooperation in economy, trade, investment, science and technology, culture, society and education has achieved practical results. The two sides often pay attention to solving difficulties and problems. Cooperation between ministries, sectors and localities is expanding, bringing high efficiency.”

The great achievements made over the years are invaluable assets of both peoples. They have always been preserved, consolidated and developed by generations of leaders and people of Vietnam and Laos.

Celebrating Vietnam – Laos Year of Solidarity and Friendship 2022. Photo: VOV

Special relationship

In the context of complicated developments in the world and the region, hostile forces are plotting to sabotage the Laos-Vietnam relationship.

Therefore, the two Parties, States and peoples of the two countries need to take precautions and educate the young generations of the two countries to understand deeply about the special relationship between Laos and Vietnam.

This is for the young generation to consider it as their own responsibility, in the cause of protecting and promoting the tradition of special relations between Vietnam and Laos.

“The Lao Party, State and people, together with the Vietnamese, continue to uphold the tradition of the great friendship, special solidarity and all-round cooperation,” said General Secretary and President of Laos Thongloun Sisoulith. “We strengthen and upgrade cooperation in all fields to bring practical benefits to the people of the two countries.”