Minister Thongsavanh Phomvihane: Vietnam's comprehensive achievements are a source of great encouragement for Laos

Under the leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam, Vietnam has grown strongly, leaving a strong impression with an increasingly high international position.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son held a bilateral meeting with Lao Foreign Minister Thongsavanh Phomvihane within the framework of the 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting (AMM 58) in Malaysia on July 8. (Photo: Quang Hoa)

Sharing with the press on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of Vietnam's National Day (September 2, 1945 - September 2, 2025), Lao Foreign Minister Thongsavanh Phomvihane said that under the leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam , Vietnam has risen strongly, leaving a strong mark with an increasingly high international position, sustainable economic development, and constantly improving people's lives. The special, loyal relationship between Vietnam and Laos continues to be a model of friendly cooperation between neighboring countries.

According to Minister Thongsavanh, under the wise leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam and the effective management of the Government, Vietnam has transformed strongly from a poor country, suffering the heavy consequences of decades of war, into a progressive, modern country with political stability, social safety and order.

Lao Foreign Minister Thongsavanh Phomvihane. (Source: VNA)

Vietnam's economy has grown impressively, Vietnam is currently the 33rd largest economy in the world and is among the fastest growing countries. In 2025, Vietnam aims for 8% GDP growth and from 2026 strives to reach double digits.

Vietnam has signed 17 Free Trade Agreements with trade partners, creating important conditions to promote trade and international integration.

Quality of life has improved, per capita income has increased sharply, from about 498 USD/year/person in 2000, ranked 7/10 in ASEAN and 173/200 in the world, to more than 4,000 USD/year/person in 2024. This is proof of sustainable development and improvement of people's lives.

Vietnam's international position has been increasingly enhanced. Vietnam has established diplomatic relations with 194 countries, of which Vietnam has upgraded its relations to Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with 5 permanent members of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), actively contributing to the building of peace, stability and sustainable development in the world.

Minister Thongsavanh emphasized that these comprehensive and historic achievements of Vietnam are a great source of encouragement for Laos, an important factor and a driving force contributing to Laos' continued construction and development of the country. Minister Thongsavanh believes that with the vision to 2030 and 2045, Vietnam will become a modern industrialized country with a rich people, a strong country, democracy, equality, civilization and high income.

The Lao Foreign Minister affirmed that Laos and Vietnam are two neighboring countries with a long border from North to South, with a great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation, founded by the great President Ho Chi Minh, President Kaysone Phomvihane and beloved President Souphanouvong, built on the basis of close ties and great sacrifices.

In the struggle for national liberation against imperialist forces, the two countries stood side by side, coordinated closely, and achieved complete victory in 1975. Since then, the great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between the two countries have been constantly strengthened and developed in all fields.

Minister Thongsavanh said that Laos and Vietnam will continue to implement the agreements of the two countries' senior leaders, focusing on the contents, strengthening political, defense and security cooperation, and maintaining the role of a pillar of bilateral relations. At the same time, they will step up propaganda and education about the origin and significance of the special Laos-Vietnam relationship, especially for the younger generation.

Promote economic cooperation, strive to achieve a trade turnover of 5 billion USD, as well as implement strategic projects such as the Hanoi-Vientiane expressway, the Vientiane-Thakhek-Vung Ang railway. Improve the quality of human resource training, especially for Lao women. Continue to coordinate closely in international forums and within ASEAN.

According to the Lao Foreign Minister, the role, vision and dedication of generations of Vietnamese leaders over the past 80 years, especially after nearly 40 years of Renovation, have contributed decisively to the success of Vietnam.

Laos believes that under the leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam, Vietnam will continue to achieve greater achievements, towards the goal of becoming a developed, modern, upper-middle-income country by 2030 and a high-income country by 2045.

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/bo-truong-thongsavanh-phomvihane-nhung-thanh-tuu-toan-dien-cua-viet-nam-la-nguon-co-vu-dong-vien-to-lon-doi-voi-lao-324357.html