The birth of the Lao PDR half a century ago was not only a historic victory of the Lao people, but also a major triumph and shared pride of the great friendship and special solidarity, which is rarely seen in the world, between the peoples of Vietnam and Laos.
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Vietnamese President Ho Chi Minh (right) and Lao President Kaysone Phomvihane at a meeting in Hanoi in 1966 (File photo) |
Since the formation and wise leadership of the Indochinese Communist Party, later the Communist Party of Vietnam and the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party, the traditional ties between the two countries have been continuously nurtured and strengthened. Guided by the principle “helping our friends is helping ourselves,” taught by President Ho Chi Minh, the peoples of Vietnam and Laos stood shoulder to shoulder, fighting common enemies and forging an extraordinary bond of special solidarity. As President Kaysone Phomvihane affirmed, “In the history of world revolution, there have been shining examples of proletarian internationalism, but never has there been a special, long-lasting, and comprehensive solidarity and combat alliance like that between Laos and Vietnam.”
During the arduous years of war, tens of thousands of young Vietnamese volunteer soldiers and advisors crossed the imposing Truong Son Range into Laos to perform their international duties, fighting side by side with the Lao military and people against foreign aggressors. Across the Lao land, there is no place where the footprints of Vietnamese volunteer soldiers and advisors cannot be found. Their blood mingled with that of their Lao comrades, soaking into the Truong Son mountains and flowing alongside the Mekong River. Not only did they sacrifice their blood and bones in the fight against the common enemy, but they were also willing to give up their lives for each other.
While, as President Kaysone Phomvihane emphasized, “the blood of the Vietnamese people has colored the land of Laos red for the independence of Laos,” the Lao people, in return, sacrificed lives and property to support the Vietnamese revolution. It was this fraternal and steadfast relationship that created extraordinary spiritual and material strength, enabling both nations to overcome hardships and defeat every invading enemy.
Lao Ambassador to Vietnam Khamphao Ernthavanh affirmed that, out of profound affection and solidarity, the Lao Party, State, and people wholeheartedly supported Vietnam by allowing the Ho Chi Minh Trail to pass through Lao territory, enabling Vietnam to carry out the struggle for national liberation and reunification. This monumental support provided immense strength and motivation, contributing to the resounding victories of the revolutions of both countries in 1975.
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Troops of the Vietnam-Laos combat alliance in the resistance war against French colonialism in 1950 (File photo: VNA) |
Entering the new era of national defense and development, under the guiding light of Marxism–Leninism and Ho Chi Minh’s Thought in Vietnam, and Marxism–Leninism and the Thought of Kaysone Phomvihane in Laos, both peoples take great pride in continuing to stand together as loyal comrades and steadfast friends. They share the same ideals and aspirations of building independent, self-reliant economies, pro-actively integrating into the region and the world, and advancing toward socialism.
The special solidarity, woven by the sweat, effort, blood, sacrifice, ideals, and aspirations of generations of leaders and citizens of both nations, has become a natural way of life, an invaluable common asset, and a vital lifeline for both peoples. It remains the red thread running through every stage of development in Vietnam–Laos relations.
Sharing the joy with the Lao Party, State, and people on the 50th anniversary of the Lao PDR’s National Day, we hold firm confidence that, despite the changing tides of history, the great friendship and special solidarity between Vietnam and Laos will forever remain.
Translated by Trung Thanh