An art performance at the programme (Photo: VNA)
A ceremony was held in the Lao capital city of Vientiane on July 18 to mark the 60th anniversary of Vietnam-Laos diplomatic ties, and 45 years of the signing of the Vietnam-Laos Treaty of Amity and Cooperation.
Party General Secretary and State President of Laos Thongloun Sisoulith, Prime Minister Phankham Viphavanh, and National Assembly Chairman Xaysomphone Phomvihane attended the event.
The Vietnamese delegation to the ceremony was led by Politburo member and permanent member of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee's Secretariat Vo Van Thuong.
In his remarks, Thongloun Sisoulith affirmed that in any circumstances, the Lao Party, State and people will always work to preserve and promote the great friendship and special solidarity between the two countries across all spheres for the sake of their peoples.
He congratulated Vietnam on its achievements in Doi Moi (Renewal) and considered them a great source of encouragement and precious lessons for Laos in national construction and defence.
The leader also used the occasion to thank the Vietnamese Party, State and people for their great, timely and effective support to Laos in years gone by.
For his part, Thuong highlighted the significance of the establishment of diplomatic ties 60 years ago as well as the signing of the treaty 45 years ago, and similarities between the two countries in history, geography and culture.
Congratulating Laos on its comprehensive achievements in 35 years of reform and the implementation of the resolution adopted at the 11th National Party Congress, the official noted his belief that under the leadership of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party (LPRP), headed by Thongloun Sisoulith, the government’s management, and the legislature’s supervision, Laos will continuously improve its reputation and position in the region and the world at large.
Thuong spoke of cooperation orientations between the two Parties and countries in politics, security, external affairs, economy, culture, education and science-technology.
Vietnamese and Lao Parties, State and people are resolved to forever protect their faithful, pure and “unique” relationship - an invaluable common asset of the two nations, he emphasised.
Later the same day, Thuong, on behalf of the Vietnamese Party and State, presented the Gold Star Order to the Lao PM and NA Chairman, the Ho Chi Minh Order to four Lao Politburo members, and the first-class Independence Order to five Secretaries of the Lao Party Central Committee, in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the bilateral relationship.
Lao PM Phankham Viphavanh thanked the Vietnamese Party and State for the prestigious prizes, and pledged to make every effort together with Vietnam to preserve and strengthen the Vietnam-Laos special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation.
Participants at the event included Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, President Nguyen Xuan Phuc, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue, as well as incumbent and former Party and State leaders.
Politburo member, permanent member of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party (LPRP) Central Committee’s Secretariat and Lao Vice President Bounthong Chitmany and a high-ranking delegation of the Party and State of Laos attended the event.
Addressing the event, Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong underlined that the Vietnam-Laos relationship, founded by President Ho Chi Minh, President Kaysone Phomvihane and President Souphanouvong and nurtured by generations of soldiers and people of both countries, has become a priceless asset and a unique relationship in the world history.
The Vietnamese Party leader affirmed that the solidarity, cooperation and mutual support between Vietnam and Laos is an objective rule and a factor of vital significance to each Party and nation, a shared asset and a foundation for their development during the future historical periods.
The Party chief expressed belief that under the sound leadership of the LPRP and the effective management of the Lao Government as well as efforts of the National Assembly, the Lao people will surely overcome current difficulties and successfully implement the resolution of the 11th National Party Congress and its 9th five-year socio-economic development plan.
Despite difficulties and challenges, including those brought by COVID-19 pandemic, the partnership between the two Parties and countries has continued to grow steadily in a deep and effective manner, he said, noting that the bilateral political relations have been constantly reinforced and elevated from a traditional friendship to a great friendship, guiding their cooperation in other fields.
General Secretary Trong went on to say that Vietnam and Laos have shown effective collaboration and mutual support at multilateral forums, which helped enhance the position of both Vietnam and Laos in the region and the world, and contributed to strengthening peace, stability and development of the ASEAN Community.
For his part, Lao Vice President Bounthong Chitmany stressed that the Party, State and people of Laos are proud to make contributions to the combat alliance with Vietnam. He highlighted the significance of the bilateral Treaty of Amity and Cooperation, an important legal foundation for the comprehensive cooperation between the two countries.
He said that despite current difficulties, Vietnam has still given timely and precious support to Laos, which vividly reflects the rare and special ties between Laos and Vietnam.
He said that the great achievements of Vietnam in all fields provide a motivation for Laos during the country’s national defence and construction./.
Q.Hoa t.h / VNA
