Refuting distorted and incorrect views on the special relationship between Vietnam - Laos and Laos

The hostile and reactionary forces' arguments against the special relationship between Vietnam - Laos and Laos - Vietnam

Vietnam and Laos share a border of more than 2,340km, leaning against the majestic Truong Son mountain range and drinking from the same Mekong River. The history of struggle and development of the two peoples has made the Vietnamese and Lao peoples close and attached to each other for generations. That close relationship has been further developed and deepened over the past eight decades, when the people of the two countries carried out the revolutionary cause of fighting against the common enemy, gaining independence and freedom, building and defending the Fatherland of each country.

However, along with the complicated and unpredictable developments and changes in the current world and regional situation, hostile and reactionary forces are continuously implementing the strategy of "peaceful evolution" to eliminate the leadership role of the Communist Party of Vietnam and the Lao People's Revolutionary Party; "depoliticize" the two countries' armies, separate the leadership of the Party from the army..., thereby sabotaging and dividing the relationship between the army and the people, as well as the special solidarity and friendship between Vietnam and Laos. Hostile forces regularly distort history, deny revolutionary achievements; deny the noble meaning and noble international obligations of the Vietnamese army to the Lao revolution (?!)

In addition, hostile and reactionary forces also use the tricks of "color revolution", such as taking advantage of issues of democracy, human rights, economic aid, ethnicity, religion, psychological warfare... to interfere in the internal affairs of the two countries in order to sabotage the political regime and the friendly and united relationship between Vietnam - Laos, Laos - Vietnam, plotting to steer the two countries towards the capitalist orbit. Taking advantage of the fact that Vietnam and Laos are opening up to international integration, hostile and reactionary forces have put forth false arguments, distorting the policies and achievements of the two countries' international economic integration... They have tried their best to attract, incite, and incite people, especially ethnic minorities in border areas, to migrate freely, illegally cross the border, commit illegal acts, promote "self-evolution" and "self-transformation" to form separatist ideology, divide religious and non-religious people, religions, ethnicities in the border areas of the two countries..., causing disorder and insecurity, disrupting the political and social stability of the two countries.

In particular, hostile and reactionary forces have been focusing on exploiting the challenges from the strategy of competing for influence of major countries on regional issues, the impacts of non-traditional security issues and some points of non-coincidence of national and ethnic interests, in order to disrupt information, create mutual suspicion, cause public confusion, internal division and sabotage the rare, pure, steadfast solidarity between the two Parties, two States and people of Vietnam and Laos.

Factors that create the value of the special solidarity and friendship between Vietnam - Laos and Laos - Vietnam

Continuing the tradition of the Vietnam - Laos Fighting Alliance - a symbol of the great relationship and special solidarity between the two countries during the period of fighting side by side against colonial and imperialist domination and invasion, the special relationship between Vietnam and Laos today continues to be built and developed on the basis of the same ideology as well as the goal of building and developing the country along the socialist path. The construction and development of the country in both Vietnam and Laos are under the leadership of the Marxist - Leninist Party, with a common origin in the Indochinese Communist Party. The two Parties and States of Vietnam and Laos have always maintained a close relationship, wholeheartedly supporting and helping each other in the construction and development of the country, regardless of the many changes in the situation of each country or the international and regional context, as well as the international relations of each side.

History has proven that Vietnam and Laos share similar circumstances, are close in geography and natural conditions, and share the same goal of striving for national independence and socialism. Without consensus on viewpoints, ideology, and strategic guidelines, it would be difficult for the two countries to build the traditional, friendly, united, loyal, and steadfast relationship that is rare today. The two countries share the same goals and ideals in the path of building socialism; have similar political and state regimes, and are carrying out the process of national renewal and developing a socialist-oriented market economy . Each year, Vietnam grants Laos 600 to 700 short-term and long-term training scholarships. Currently, there are more than 14,000 Lao students studying at Vietnamese educational institutions and 250 Vietnamese students studying in Laos. These are important factors contributing to the development of each country and are an indispensable bridge in maintaining and further strengthening the existing good relationship between the two Parties and peoples. In addition to training and developing human resources, Vietnam also helps Laos in investing in building infrastructure and school systems with a total investment of up to hundreds of billions of VND from non-refundable aid from the Vietnamese Government.

Cultural exchange between students from Vietnam and Laos _Source: thanhdoan.hochiminhcity.gov.vn

Since the two countries began the renovation process (1986), the top goal of both countries has been to carry out industrialization and modernization of the country on the basis of innovating the economic management mechanism, transforming from a centrally planned economy to a socialist-oriented market economy and promoting international integration. The two countries have built a model of a socialist rule-of-law state "of the people, by the people, for the people" under the leadership of a single political party. The similarities between the two Parties, the two state apparatuses and the common socialist ideals are important conditions for creating the special Vietnam-Laos relationship in the new context.

During the resistance war against French colonialism and American imperialism in the 20th century of the two peoples of Vietnam and Laos, the consensus on viewpoints, ideology, and strategic guidelines helped the two countries build the Vietnam - Laos Fighting Alliance. An effective strategy of combat coordination can only arise from a political line with a high consensus on viewpoints and genuine interests. "In terms of guidelines, the relationship of the same political bloodline is the most valuable asset of the two Parties, two States and two peoples, and is an important factor determining the victory of the revolutions of the two countries in the long and arduous struggle" (1). Thus, the similarity in ideology as well as the national development goals of each side is a fundamental factor affecting the special relationship between Vietnam and Laos.

After the end of the Cold War, Vietnam and Laos both faced great opportunities and challenges. The collapse of the socialist regimes in the former Soviet Union and Eastern Europe not only affected the foreign relations of Vietnam and Laos, but also caused certain impacts on the political and ideological security of each country. In addition to solidarity, standing side by side to build and develop the country in the direction of socialism, implementing national renewal, both countries also coordinated and supported each other in multilateral cooperation. In particular, together solving and building a friendly, united and developed Indochina peninsula; closely coordinating at regional cooperation forums, such as: Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Greater Mekong Sub-region, Cambodia - Laos - Vietnam Development Triangle. The two countries always support each other's stance on many issues discussed at regional and international forums; effectively support each other in successfully organizing political, security and defense conferences in the year Laos or Vietnam holds the ASEAN Chairmanship; work with ASEAN countries to build the ASEAN Community to promote the common development of the region; work with countries to resolve disputes, promote compliance and implementation of basic principles in accordance with international law.

Realizing that each country's security does not exist independently, but is interdependent, both countries pay attention to and strengthen close cooperation in defense and security, because Vietnam - Laos defense and security cooperation is built on the basis of the tradition of fighting foreign invaders of the two nations since ancient times and respecting each other's independence and sovereignty, promoting the strengths and capabilities of each country on the principle of equality and mutual benefit. History has proven that the two nations of Vietnam and Laos are connected to each other as a natural law and that connection is extremely important for the political stability as well as the development of each country. Effective cooperation in defense and security between the two countries will help ensure the security and political stability of the two countries, therefore, close, sincere and trustworthy cooperation from both sides is needed.

Economic cooperation between the two countries has also received special attention, with the content and forms of cooperation increasingly expanded, diversified and enriched. Most recently, during the official friendship visit to Laos (January 2023) by Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, the two sides affirmed their determination to elevate economic cooperation to match the stature of the special relationship between the two countries, focusing on continuing to support each other in economic recovery after the COVID-19 pandemic, building an independent, self-reliant economy associated with deep and effective international integration; agreed to strengthen connectivity between the two economies, both in terms of hard and soft infrastructure, to expand the space for cooperation and development.

In addition, with its geographical location bordering the sea, Laos is in great need of "gateways" to the world. With a convenient fishbone system and seaport system, especially the investment and exploitation of Vung Ang port by the Vietnamese and Lao governments, Vietnam is considered an important "bridge" for Laos to expand production, attract foreign direct investment, and circulate goods... with countries in the region and the world. This is also the reason why the need to exploit Vietnam's geo-strategic position for Laos is becoming increasingly necessary. On the contrary, in the context of Vietnam promoting innovation and increasingly deep international integration, Laos is considered a "bridge" for Vietnamese goods to circulate to other ASEAN countries through the East-West Economic Corridor (EWEC) connecting Vietnam through Laos, Thailand to Myanmar...

For Vietnam, Laos' geopolitical position is of utmost importance in protecting the border area and preventing direct negative impacts from the West on Vietnam. In fact, in the last decades of the 20th century, hostile and reactionary forces from outside took advantage of the mountainous terrain between the two countries as a base of operations to infiltrate and sabotage Vietnam. Therefore, the stability in peace and development of Laos, as well as the consolidation of the special Vietnam-Laos relationship, have become one of the factors constituting Vietnam's vital and legitimate interests. The security and stability of Laos have a direct impact on the security, stability and development of Vietnam. The stability and security of Laos is an important condition to ensure the security of Vietnam and vice versa. Therefore, strengthening close cooperation is always a matter of survival for both Vietnam and Laos.

It can be seen that strengthening the development of the special relationship between the two countries helps Vietnam and Laos protect the national interests of each country. Therefore, it can be affirmed that the similarities and national interests of each country have a positive impact on the special relationship between Vietnam and Laos. Building, protecting, preserving and promoting the value of the special friendship, tradition and solidarity between Vietnam and Laos, Laos and Vietnam comes from both subjective desires (ideology and policies of the ruling party) and objective realities required by the survival and development of each country. As the late General Secretary of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party Kaysone Phomvihane once affirmed: "The Laos-Vietnam relationship has become a special relationship that is pure, loyal, exemplary and rare", "consolidating and strengthening that special relationship, protecting the Laos-Vietnam solidarity like protecting the pupil of one's eye" (2).

Joint patrol to protect A Dot border marker of Vietnam - Laos _Source: nhiepanhdoisong.vn

Continue to make the Vietnam - Laos, Laos - Vietnam relationship increasingly substantive and effective, repelling divisive and destructive arguments of hostile forces.

First of all, with the determination to elevate the "great friendship" between Vietnam and Laos, Laos and Vietnam, the two sides need to continue to identify building political relations as the foundation, economic relations as the core. Strengthen and firmly nurture the common perception of both sides on the strategic importance of the relationship between the two countries, considering this a vital strategic issue for the revolutionary cause of each country. The special nature of the Vietnam - Laos relationship is reflected in the fundamental difference from other normal partnerships, it is a comprehensive cooperative relationship including politics, security, economy, culture... and gives priority and preferential treatment to each other higher than the bilateral relationship. Unify the perception among the cadres and people of the two countries on the special nature of the relationship, on the basis of a broader, more comprehensive and long-term vision. Actively promote further cooperation; Proactively select projects in need of investment and development that meet the requirements of national development based on a comprehensive approach to benefits in special cooperative relations.

Second, mobilize the maximum resources and political systems of the two countries, focus on improving and elevating economic, cultural, scientific and technological cooperation to match the political relationship between Vietnam and Laos. Strengthen and perfect the cooperation mechanism, first of all, enhance the effectiveness of the Intergovernmental Committee on Economic, Cultural, Scientific and Technical Cooperation. Combine the strengths of each country to create common strengths on the basis of taking advantage of favorable international factors in terms of capital, technology and market. Focus on reviewing the overall mechanism, policies, programs and implementation organization to supplement and adjust them to suit the reality and new requirements in the comprehensive cooperation relationship between the two countries; especially in the context of international and regional economic integration now and in the coming years, in order to effectively implement the set strategic cooperation goals.

Third, strengthen comprehensive cooperation in the direction of the two countries coordinating more closely and effectively in cooperation programs and projects between the two countries and the region and other multilateral cooperation on the basis of respecting each other's independent and autonomous foreign policy and the policy of multilateralization and diversification of foreign relations to take advantage of these relations to serve the interests of both sides, maximally protecting the national interests of each country and the two countries, especially in cooperation mechanisms that the two countries participate in, such as the United Nations, ASEAN; sub-regional cooperation mechanisms; non-traditional security issues that both countries will have to face. Proactively consult and support each other in resolving important domestic and foreign issues or consult each other on positions and viewpoints at international forums that both countries participate in. Thereby, helping both sides have enough capacity to respond to changes in the international and regional situation, thereby helping the two countries effectively protect the national interests of each country and the common interests of the two countries.

Fourth, attach importance to balancing the core political, security and economic interests of each country and of the two countries under the influence of internal and external factors. Throughout history, the Vietnam-Laos relationship has become closely linked first and foremost because of the close interests of the two countries. Today, the regional and world context has completely changed; accordingly, large and small countries all have their own interests when pursuing international relations. Among those interests, there are core interests that countries find difficult to give up when faced with external pressures. Therefore, the two countries need to clearly identify issues where the interests of both sides are “non-coincident” or “not completely coincident” in order to have appropriate “codes of conduct” in the direction of respecting each other’s interests, respecting international law and practices; continuing to take advantage of and effectively promote cooperation mechanisms, channels and the cooperative motto of “helping friends is helping ourselves” of the two countries.

Over the past 60 years, despite the complex changes in the world and the region, with both advantages and challenges, it can be affirmed that the great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Laos have continuously developed steadily, increasingly deepened, substantiated and effective. The historical lessons of the exemplary Vietnam-Laos, Laos-Vietnam relationship; the guiding ideas and cooperation contents stated in the Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation remain intact and are the "red thread" throughout the development process of the relationship between the two Parties, two States and peoples of the two countries. For the people of the two countries, the special relationship between Vietnam-Laos, Laos-Vietnam is considered a reason for living, a consistent affection, no matter how difficult or arduous, it cannot be separated. The rare special relationship between Vietnam and Laos continues to be nurtured on the basis of the common interests and goals of the two countries, with a pure international spirit, helping the revolutions of the two countries gradually overcome challenges and difficulties. It is a valuable asset and a solid foundation for the current and future generations of the two countries to continue promoting solidarity, building a relationship of equality, self-reliance, friendship and cooperation between the two countries that is "forever green, forever sustainable"./.

Dr. NGUYEN VIET XUAN

Quang Binh Provincial Party Committee Organizing Committee

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(1) Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences - Lao National Academy of Social Sciences: International scientific conference on Vietnam - Laos relations, Social Sciences Publishing House, Hanoi, 2007, p. 244
(2) Lao People's Revolutionary Party - Communist Party of Vietnam: History of special relations between Vietnam - Laos, Laos - Vietnam (1930 - 2007), National Political Publishing House Truth, Hanoi, 2012, vol. IV, pp. 133, 135 - 136

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