Lao-Vietnamese joint forces during the resistance war against the French, 1950. (Photo: VNA)

The close relationship between Vietnam and Laos is forged in history between two neighboring countries, sharing the majestic Truong Son mountain range and the Mekong River. From north to south, Laos has 10 provinces that share a border with 10 provinces of Vietnam. With many similarities and interactions in politics, economics, culture, and society, the people of the two countries (especially in the border regions) have often relied on and supported each other in daily life, as well as in times of natural disasters or conflict.

In particular, since the founding and wise leadership of the Indochinese Communist Party, later the Communist Party of Vietnam and the Lao People's Revolutionary Party, this close relationship has continuously developed.

The traditionally good, loyal, and pure relationship between the people of Vietnam and Laos, founded and nurtured by President Ho Chi Minh, President Kaysone Phomvihane, and President Souphanouvong under the leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam and the Lao People's Revolutionary Party throughout history, has become an invaluable asset of the two nations and a common law of development for both countries on the path to national prosperity and the well-being and happiness of their people.

Historical practice shows that in every victory and every milestone on the glorious revolutionary path of Vietnam and Laos, the imprint of mutual support and assistance between the people of the two countries is deeply evident. The fraternal solidarity of the people of the two countries in the struggle for national liberation in the past, as well as in the cause of building and defending the Fatherland today, is one of the most vivid manifestations of the great and special friendship between the two countries.

Over the decades, the Vietnam-Laos relationship has continued to be strengthened and developed, becoming increasingly deep, practical, and effective in all fields, making a significant contribution to maintaining political stability, socio-economic development, and ensuring national defense and security in each country. This, in turn, has helped to enhance the standing of both Parties and countries; and made a positive contribution to peace, stability, cooperation, and development in the region and the world.

A cultural performance celebrating the special close relationship between Vietnam and Laos. (Photo: VNA)

Over the years, both sides have effectively implemented the Agreements between the high-level leaders of the two Parties and States; the Agreements, arrangements, and cooperation plans between the two Governments, as well as the agreements and cooperation programs between ministries, departments, people's organizations, and localities of the two countries.

Close and trusting political relations continue to be strengthened, playing a core role and guiding the overall relationship between the two countries. Cooperation in defense, security, and foreign affairs continues to be maintained, serving as important pillars in the special solidarity between Vietnam and Laos. Meanwhile, cooperation in economics, culture, education and training, and science and technology has seen positive developments. Cooperation in other fields continues to be increasingly effective.

The spirit of solidarity and the significant achievements in Vietnam-Laos relations not only facilitate the process of reform, socio-economic development, national construction and defense in each country, and strengthen each country's position and power, but also contribute to peace, stability, cooperation, and development in the region and the world.

Looking back on the journey so far, Vietnam and Laos are always proud of the special relationship, "both comrades and brothers," between the two countries. The loyal and pure relationship between the two Parties and the two countries has become a model, a rare example in the world, as President Kaysone Phomvihane once affirmed: "In the history of world revolutions, there have been shining examples of the spirit of proletarian internationalism, but nowhere and never before has there been such a special, long-lasting, and comprehensive solidarity and fighting alliance." And the people of both countries today will always remember, inherit, and nurture the solidarity between Laos and Vietnam, ensuring it remains ever green and enduring for generations to come.

Source: dangcongsan.vn