A VNA reporter in Laos had an interview with Mr. Thongsavanh Phomvihane, member of the Party Central Committee and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Laos, about Laos's outstanding development achievements and Vietnam's important, wholehearted and loyal contributions to the cause of building and developing Laos over the past half century.
The exchange took place on the occasion of General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam To Lam, his wife and the high-ranking Vietnamese delegation's State visit to Laos, attending the 50th National Day Celebration of the Lao People's Democratic Republic; and co-chairing the High-level Meeting between the Communist Party of Vietnam and the Lao People's Revolutionary Party from December 1-2, 2025.
Minister Thongsavanh Phomvihane said that by 2025, Laos will have celebrated 50 years since the declaration of the country's founding (December 2, 1975). Five decades is not a long time, but if we look back at the starting point of 1975 - when the country was still poor, infrastructure was barely developed, industry had not yet formed, and the illiteracy rate was among the highest in the region - then the achievements Laos has made today are enormous.
During the past 50 years, especially after more than 40 years of implementing the renovation process, Laos has resolved many difficulties, and people's lives have improved significantly. Education is one of the bright spots, the rate of illiterate people, which used to account for 70% of the population, has now been basically eliminated; education has become the foundation for national development.
Infrastructure and industry have made great strides. In the early years, there were almost no paved roads, including National Highway 13 that ran the length of the country.
Up to now, the road system connecting the North and the South, inter-provincial and inter-district routes have been strongly invested; the rate of people using electricity has increased almost nationwide. These are vivid proofs of the development of Laos.
In the field of foreign affairs, Laos has established relations with more than 140 countries and has more than 40 representative offices abroad. Party foreign affairs have also been extended to more than 100 political parties in more than 80 countries; people-to-people diplomacy has also developed strongly.
Compared to 1975, Laos' foreign relations have changed completely. Although the country still faces many difficulties, including economic and financial fluctuations, Laos is making efforts to overcome them and move towards sustainable development.
On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of National Day, the Lao Foreign Minister also expressed his deep gratitude to international friends, especially Vietnam - a country that has always stood side by side with Laos, given Laos sincere and meaningful assistance since the early days of the country's founding, making important contributions to the construction and development of Laos.
The Lao Foreign Minister expressed his special joy when Laos welcomed General Secretary To Lam for a State visit. This is General Secretary To Lam's first visit to Laos in his capacity as General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam. The visit will be of special significance, contributing to promoting the special relationship between the two Parties, States and peoples - a relationship built since the years of resistance war for national salvation.
Minister Thongsavanh stressed that both parties originated from the Indochinese Communist Party and shared the same ideal of fighting for national independence. The two countries fought together against the common enemy and achieved historic victory in 1975.
Therefore, the Laos-Vietnam relationship is a special relationship, built with the blood and bones of many generations.
General Secretary To Lam's visit to Laos takes place in the context that both countries are preparing for the 12th National Congress of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party and the 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam.
During this visit, General Secretary To Lam will also attend the 50th Anniversary of Laos National Day - a significant event, marking the achievements that Laos has made over the past half century, including the important support and contributions of Vietnam.
In the context of complex regional and global developments affecting the global economy and politics, strengthening cooperation, connectivity and integration is an inevitable trend.
According to the Lao Foreign Minister, during this visit, Laos and Vietnam will continue to promote the great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation, and study strategic cooperation orientations for sustainable development together in the future.
Minister Thongsavanh Phomvihane affirmed that since Laos and Vietnam established diplomatic relations in 1962, the two countries have always stood side by side in the struggle for independence and in national construction and development. The signing of the Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation in 1977 was an important legal milestone, making the relationship between the two countries exemplary and rare in the world.
In the context of the current volatile world situation, continuing to consolidate, nurture and develop the special Laos-Vietnam and Vietnam-Laos relationship is even more important, bringing practical benefits to the people of the two countries, contributing to peace, stability and development in the region and the world./.
Source: https://www.vietnamplus.vn/bo-truong-bo-ngoai-giao-lao-viet-nam-danh-cho-lao-su-giup-do-chi-tinh-chi-nghia-post1080024.vnp
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