Vietnam Extends Warm Congratulations to Laos on 49th National Day Anniversary.

Hanoi: On December 1, senior leaders of Vietnam, including Party Secretary General To Lam, State President Luong Cuong, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, and President of the National Assembly Tran Thanh Man, sent a congratulatory message to their Lao counterparts. This message was addressed to Lao Party Secretary General and State President Thongloun Sisoulith, Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone, and President of the National Assembly Saysomphone Phomvihane, commemorating the 49th anniversary of the Lao People's Democratic Republic (Lao PDR). According to Lao News Agency, the message expressed Vietnam's high regard for the significant achievements of the Lao Party, government, and multi-ethnic people in nation-building over the past 49 years. The Vietnamese leaders praised the Lao People's Revolutionary Party's leadership and the Lao people's resilience in overcoming challenges to achieve significant victories. They highlighted the improvements in the well-being of the Lao people and the elevated status of the Lao PDR on the regional and international stage. Vietnam also commended Laos for successfully hosting the 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits and the 45th AIPA General Assembly in 2024, as well as for effectively fulfilling its role as ASEAN Chair. These accomplishments were described as a source of shared pride for both countries. The Vietnamese leaders reiterated their support for Laos's renovation policy and expressed confidence in the continued success of the Lao PDR under the leadership of Secretary General Thongloun Sisoulith. They anticipated further achievements with the implementation of the 11th Party Congress resolutions and the Ninth Five-Year Socio-Economic Development Plan. The message also underscored the deep bonds of friendship and cooperation between Vietnam and Laos, emphasizing the historical ties founded by leaders such as Ho Chi Minh, Kaysone Phomvihane, and Souphanouvong. The Vietnamese leaders pledged to work closely with their Lao counterparts to strengthen these ties for mutual benefit an d regional stability. In addition, Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son extended his congratulations to Lao Minister of Foreign Affairs Thongsavanh Phomvihane, marking the continued diplomatic goodwill between the two nations.