Officials pose for a photo at the banquet on November 26. VNA/VNS Photo

HÀ NỘI —  Vietnamese Party and State leaders attended a banquet in Hà Nội on Wednesday evening, hosted by the Lao Embassy in Việt Nam to celebrate the 50th National Day of Laos (December 2, 1975-2025).

Participating in the event were Politburo members: Bùi Thị Hoài, Secretary of the Party Central Committee, and President of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Central Committee, and Nguyễn Xuân Thắng, President of the Hồ Chí Minh National Academy of Politics (HMCA), and Chairman of the Central Theory Council; and members of the Party Central Committee: Nguyễn Thị Thanh, Vice Chairwoman of the National Assembly (NA); Nguyễn Đắc Vinh, member of the NA Standing Committee, and Chairman of the NA’s Committee for Cultural and Social Affairs, Senior Lieutenant General Nguyễn Trường Thắng, Deputy Minister of National Defence, and Nguyễn Mạnh Cường, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, along with representatives from diplomatic missions and international organisations in Hà Nội.

Speaking at the ceremony, NA Vice Chairwoman Thanh congratulated the Party, State, and people of Laos on the great and comprehensive achievements they have gained over the past 50 years, particularly in maintaining political stability, ensuring national defence and security, promoting socio-economic development, and improving the people's living standards.

She emphasised that Việt Nam believes the special solidarity between Việt Nam and Laos, established by late Vietnamese President Hồ Chí Minh, and late Lao Presidents Kaysone Phomvihane and Souphanouvong, will continue to develop extensively and substantively, and contribute significantly to the prosperity of both nations.

Assessing that 2025 is a significant milestone for both countries, as they celebrate the 50th anniversary of National Day of Laos, the 80th anniversary of Việt Nam’s National Day, and prepare to organise their respective National Party Congresses, the Vice Chairwoman proposed the Parties, States, and people of the two countries continue to unite, closely cooperate with each other, and promote their tradition of mutual support, thus advancing the revolutionary cause of both nations, for peace, stability, and development in the region and the world.

In his welcoming speech, Lao Ambassador Khamphao Ernthavanh highlighted her country’s outstanding achievements after nearly 40 years of renewal, ranging from political stability and improved social welfare to sustainable economic growth.

She affirmed that the relationship between Laos and Việt Nam has continued to grow strongly, with comprehensive cooperation in various fields, especially politics, defence, security, economy, education, culture, and people-to-people exchanges.

On this occasion, the ambassador expressed deep gratitude for the valuable support that Việt Nam has provided for Laos throughout the years and pledged to continue making positive contributions to preserving and nurturing the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between the two countries. — VNS