The visit of General Secretary and President Thongloun Sisoulith and his spouse is an important political event and a significant milestone in Vietnam-Laos relations, vividly demonstrating the deep, substantial, and special solidarity between the two parties and two countries. The visit brings warm feelings of brotherhood and camaraderie to the Party, State, and people of Vietnam.

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President To Lam (now Party General Secretary, President) and Lao Party General Secretary and President Thongloun Sisoulith at the talks on July 11, 2024 in Laos (Photo: VNA)

The peoples of Vietnam and Laos share a long-standing tradition of closeness, which has been nurtured over thousands of years of national construction and defense. Especially since the establishment of the Indochinese Communist Party (later the Communist Party of Vietnam and the Lao People's Revolutionary Party), the bond between the two countries has continuously been strengthened and improved.

In the history of international relations, the relationship between Vietnam and Laos stands as a model of enduring, loyal, and steadfast solidarity. The two nations always share their joys and sorrows together and treat each other as family members, who are inseparable regardless of challenges or dangers. This relationship, built on the sweat, effort, and blood of generations of citizens from both nations fighting for independence, freedom, and happiness, has become an objective law, a vital factor that has led to many great victories for both Vietnam and Laos in their struggles for national independence and their ongoing efforts to renew and build their countries.

In recent years, despite many challenges, including the unprecedented impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Vietnam-Laos relationship, founded by President Ho Chi Minh, President Kaysone Phomvihane, and President Souphanouvong, and nurtured by successive generations of leaders and people of both countries, continues to develop robustly. The political relationship has been continuously strengthened, moving from traditional friendship to great friendship, becoming increasingly trustworthy and close. This relationship remains a core and guiding factor in bilateral relations. Defense, security, and foreign relations cooperation remain key pillars in the special solidarity between Vietnam and Laos, while economic, trade, and investment cooperation is being actively promoted with positive developments. Cooperation in other areas continues to be effectively expanded.

The spirit of solidarity and the significant achievements in Vietnam-Laos relations not only facilitate economic and social development and national defense in both countries, but also contribute to peace, stability, cooperation, and development in the region and the world.

Looking back on the historical journey that the two countries have shared, we are immensely proud of the exemplary, pure, and deeply faithful Vietnam-Laos relationship, which is an invaluable common asset of both nations, a symbol of international solidarity. The historical lessons of the special solidarity between Vietnam and Laos will always serve as a guiding principle throughout the development of both parties, states, and peoples. This provides a firm foundation for us to believe that the state visit to Vietnam by General Secretary and President Thongloun Sisoulith and his spouse will be a great success, contributing to further elevating the Vietnam-Laos relationship.

May the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Laos flourish and last forever!

Translated by Trung Thanh