The special solidarity between Vietnam and Laos, founded by President Ho Chi Minh, President Kaysone Phomvihane, and President Souphanouvong, and cultivated by generations of senior leaders of the two Parties, States, and peoples, has been forged through the trials of war and peace.
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Party General Secretary and President of Laos Thongloun Sisoulith congratulates Vietnam's Party General Secretary To Lam on receiving the National Gold Order, the highest decoration of the Lao State, December 1, 2025. (Photo: VNA) |
This exemplary relationship, carrying long-term strategic significance, has always been identified as a top priority in each country’s foreign policy. It is one of the decisive factors in the success of the revolutionary cause in each country, the most sacred common asset of the two nations, and a strategic pillar for the stability, development, and integration of both Vietnam and Laos. It is a historical law, a source of strength and motivation for the two neighboring countries to continue to promote and pass on to younger generations, making positive and meaningful contribution to regional and global peace, stability, cooperation, and prosperity.
The close and faithful relationship of sharing of joys and hardships, standing side-by-side in times of difficulty and happiness between the two Parties, States, and peoples marked a historic milestone in 2025, when both sides agreed to deepen their bilateral relations with a reinforced framework of “great friendship, special solidarity, comprehensive cooperation, and strategic cohesion.” This reflects profound and enduring political trust between the two Parties and States, a shared vision, intertwined strategic interests, and a long-term companionship orientation, in line with the new historical context and for the goal of sustainable development, self-reliance, and common prosperity of the two peoples.
The visit by General Secretary and President Thongloun Sisoulith and his spouse is taking place shortly after Vietnam and Laos successfully held their respective National Party Congresses. This is the first overseas visit by Thongloun Sisoulith since his re-election as General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party for the 12th term. He is also the first foreign head of state hosted by Vietnam in 2026 and after the 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam.
Therefore, the visit is an important political event, vividly and substantively demonstrating the close affection, deep concern, strong support, and encouragement that the two Parties, States, and peoples extend to one another. It brings to the Party, State, and people of Vietnam warm sentiments and an exceptionally close sense of comradeship and brotherhood. The visit underscores the two sides’ steadfast commitment to attaching special importance to and resolutely preserving and promoting the two countries’ great friendship, special solidarity, comprehensive cooperation, and strategic cohesion, in line with the requirements, vision, and strategic interests of both countries in the new period, viewing the success of each country as a common success of both.
It is firmly believed that under the wise leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam and the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party, carrying forward the legacy of the older generations and promoting the glorious revolutionary tradition and special solidarity between the two nations, the cause of national renovation, construction, development, and defense in each country and the bilateral relations will continue to flourish and bear fruits.
May the state visit to Vietnam by General Secretary and President Thongloun Sisoulith and his spouse be successful! May the great friendship, special solidarity, comprehensive cooperation, and strategic cohesion between the two Parties, States, and peoples be “forever stronger than mountains and rivers.”
By the Editorial Board of the People’s Army Newspaper
Translated by Mai Huong