(KPL/VNA) The 80th anniversary of August Revolution (August 19) and National Day (September 2) of Vietnam is not only a source of pride for the Vietnamese people, but also a moment of joy for neighbouring Laos, Chairman of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party Central Committee’s Commission for External Relations Bounleua Phandanouvong has affirmed.

Talking with the Vietnam News Agency (VNA) reporters based in Vientiane, Bounleua said he has personally witnessed Vietnam’s transformation over the past eight decades, noting that since the launch of Doi Moi (renewal) process nearly 40 years ago, Vietnam has made great, comprehensive, and historic strides.

Bounleua highlighted Vietnam’s political stability, strong national defence and security, and reputation as one of Asia’s safest countries, which have fueled foreign investment and economic growth. Per capita income has soared from 440 USD in 2000 to over 4,000 USD today, with living standards rising steadily. Vietnam’s global stature has also grown, evidenced by its two terms as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council.

As a close neighbour bound by special relations with Vietnam, Laos takes pride in these achievements as if they were its own, he said, adding that Vietnam’s success offers encouragement and inspiration to Laos in its cause of national construction and development.

The official expressed his confidence that under the leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam and the strategic vision of its high-ranking leaders, Vietnam would continue to make greater achievements in national defence and development.

The Laos-Vietnam relationship transcends mere admiration, Bounleua stressed, adding that it is rooted in a historic bond forged through shared struggles against colonialists and imperialists. Under the Indochinese Communist Party’s leadership, the two nations fought together in pivotal campaigns, from the 1954 Dien Bien Phu victory to the 1975 Spring Offensive. Tens of thousands of Lao and Vietnamese soldiers sacrificed their lives for independence, a legacy he called “an invaluable common asset” and “a law of survival and development” for both nations.

Today, Laos and Vietnam continue to deepen ties across politics, national defence- security, economy and trade, and investment. Vietnam is among the leading investors in Laos, while political relations remain marked by special trust. Education and training have become a hallmark of cooperation, with around 16,000 Lao students now studying in Vietnam, seen as a vital intellectual force for Laos’s future.

The two Parties and Governments are also advancing joint strategic projects, including the Vientiane–Hanoi expressway, which will expand economic, transport, and tourism links between the two capital cities.

Looking ahead, Bounleua stressed the need to further bolster economic collaboration to match their strong political ties, while deepening efforts to educate younger generations about the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between Laos and Vietnam.

Vietnam’s 80th National Day is both a celebration of its historic journey and a reaffirmation of the rare and loyal bond that continues to unite the two nations, he concluded.

KPL