HCM City (VNA) - General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee To Lam met with General Secretary of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party (LPRP) and President of Laos Thongloun Sisoulith in Ho Chi Minh City on April 29.

Thongloun is leading a high-ranking delegation of Laos to attend the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification (April 30, 1975-2025).

The host warmly welcomed the Lao leader and his delegation's attendance at this momentous occasion. He emphasised that the Lao leader’s presence, along with the participation of a Lao armed forces unit in the military parade, is a meaningful demonstration of the special, enduring, and rare solidarity between the two nations.

Party leader Lam extended greetings to Laos on the occasion of the country’s traditional New Year, wishing for continued development and prosperity for the neighbouring nation and happiness for the Lao people.

Reflecting on the historical significance of the occasion, the General Secretary highlighted the Spring 1975 Victory, which ended 21 years of resistance war against the US, regaining independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity for Vietnam. He noted the Vietnamese people’s deep pride in this glorious triumph and in the solidarity among the three Indochinese nations.

He stressed that Laos played a crucial role in Vietnam’s victory, providing vital support and allowing the construction of the Ho Chi Minh Trail across Lao territory. This significant contribution enabled Vietnamese forces to advance into the South, reshaping the battlefield situation and culminating in the historic Ho Chi Minh Campaign and national reunification, he underlined.

Lam affirmed that every success in Vietnam’s revolutionary journey has been closely tied to the loyal and heartfelt support of the Lao Party, State, and people. He expressed deep gratitude for Laos’ solidarity as well as priceless, sincere and wholehearted support both during wartime and in Vietnam’s ongoing efforts to safeguard and develop the nation.

He pledged that Vietnam will do its utmost to further strengthen, protect and preserve the special Vietnam–Laos relationship, ensuring its continued growth for the benefit of both peoples and for peace, independence, democracy and progress in the region and the world. He also pointed to the inauguration of Vung Ang Port in Ha Tinh province - a symbol of this enduring partnership - as clear evidence of both countries' shared commitment to economic cooperation and development.

For his part, Thongloun extended warm congratulations to Vietnam on its 50th Reunification Day. He praised the visionary leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam and President Ho Chi Minh, which led to a series of victories culminating in the Spring 1975 Offensive. He described this as a shining milestone in Vietnam’s revolutionary history and a source of great inspiration for liberation movements across the world, noting that the victory served as an important foundation for the final success of Laos’ revolution and the foundation of the Lao People's Democratic Republic in December 1975.

The top leader of Laos congratulated Vietnam on its remarkable achievements over the past 50 years, particularly in nearly four decades of Doi Moi (Renewal), during which Vietnam’s stature, economic strength, and international reputation have significantly grown.

He highlighted the positive outcomes of Vietnamese State President Luong Cuong’s recent state visit to Laos, underscoring the unbreakable Vietnam–Laos bond. He also noted the symbolic importance of the Vung Ang Port as a cornerstone of modern economic cooperation and thanked Vietnam for its continued support across various sectors.

The two leaders exchanged updates on the current situation in each country and discussed future directions for bilateral relations, especially in economic cooperation, trade, investment, and transport infrastructure connectivity. They also shared insights on preparations for their respective Party congresses and touched on regional and international issues of mutual concern.

Both leaders reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to prioritising the Vietnam–Laos relationship under any circumstances, vowing to continue nurturing and safeguarding this unique partnership. They echoed the aspirations of beloved leaders Ho Chi Minh, Kaysone Phomvihane, and Souphanouvong to carry the Vietnam–Laos bond forward into a new era of national independence and prosperity.

Party leader Lam invited the top Lao leader to attend the celebration of the 80th anniversary of Vietnam’s Natio🅘nal Day in Hanoi in September🀅. The Lao leader gladly accepted the invitation./.