General Secretary To Lam warmly welcomed the top Lao leader and praised his participation in this historic occasion, calling it a testament to the rare and enduring special solidarity between Vietnam and Laos.

He emphasized that the presence of high-ranking international guests - particularly Laos sending a delegation of armed forces to join the military parade - offered tremendous support and encouragement to the Vietnamese people.

To Lam highlighted the invaluable contribution of Laos to Vietnam’s 1975 victory, citing the nation’s unwavering support and the strategic decision to allow Vietnam to construct the Ho Chi Minh Trail across Lao territory. This move, he stressed, helped transform the battlefield and led to the historic Spring Offensive culminating in the liberation of the South.

Vietnam, he added, deeply values and will never forget Laos’ selfless and steadfast support during its struggle for independence and reunification. Going forward, Vietnam is committed to working with Laos to nurture and protect the special relationship between the two countries for the benefit of both peoples and the cause of peace, democracy, and progress in the region and the world.

Thongloun Sisoulith expressed appreciation for Vietnam’s solemn and meaningful celebrations and said it was an honor for Laos to send a delegation to join the parade in Ho Chi Minh City. He affirmed that the event was a vivid display of the two countries' extraordinary friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation.

He also spoke of the inauguration of Berth No. 3 at the Vung Ang Port, a new symbol of economic cooperation between the two nations in the modern era.

The two leaders exchanged updates on each country’s preparations for upcoming party congresses and discussed regional and international issues of mutual interest.

On behalf of Vietnam’s leadership, General Secretary To Lam extended a formal invitation to Thongloun Sisoulith to attend the 80th anniversary of Vietnam’s National Day in Hanoi this September, which the Lao leader gladly accepted.

During a separate meeting, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh reaffirmed that Vietnam always places the highest priority on its rare and special relationship with Laos, and remains steadfast in its support for the Lao people's efforts to defend, build, and develop their nation.

He noted that the increasingly dynamic Vietnam-Laos relationship lays a strong foundation for both nations to confidently enter a new era of national development.

Thongloun Sisoulith remarked that the celebration of Vietnam’s reunification was an opportunity for both peoples to reflect on their shared history of alliance and extraordinary solidarity during times of struggle.

He also emphasized the strategic significance of the Lao-Viet International Port, noting that thanks to Vietnam, Laos - traditionally a landlocked country - now has access to the sea and has become a gateway for regional connectivity.

The Lao leader highly valued the results of the recent meeting between the two Prime Ministers during the P4G Summit in Hanoi, which laid the groundwork for achieving key bilateral goals.

During the meeting, the leaders discussed strategic directions, stressing the need to strengthen traditional cooperation, enhance political trust, ensure national defense and security, and boost economic and transport connectivity between Vietnam and Laos - as well as trilaterally with Cambodia.

Top priorities include cross-border infrastructure development, trade facilitation, intelligence sharing, and tighter coordination at regional and international forums.

Tran Thuong