Laos - Vietnam special relationship: 60 years of solidarity, friendship, and loyalty

"Recently, the regional and international situation has had many complicated developments, but Laos and Vietnam have always closely coordinated and unified views in responding and resolving, ensuring the interests of the two nations... To promote that, we must regularly exchange and unify views, stand side by side, and protect each other's interests in international forums."

This was affirmed by Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Lao PDR to Vietnam Sengphet Houngboungnuang in an interview with VOV reporters on the occasion of the 45th anniversary of the signing of the Vietnam - Laos Treaty of Amity and Cooperation (July 18, 1977 - July 18, 2022) and the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations (September 5, 1962 - September 5, 2022).

Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Lao PDR to Vietnam Sengphet Houngboungnuang.

More stable than mountains, more stable than rivers

PV:60 years is an important milestone for any bilateral relationship. Especially with the good traditional relationship between Vietnam and Laos, how does the Ambassador assess the significance of this historical milestone?

Ambassador Sengphet Houngboungnuang: 60 years is an important milestone, demonstrating the close, strong, long-standing relationship between Vietnam and Laos. As we all know, Laos and Vietnam are two close neighboring countries, drinking from the same water source, leaning against the majestic Truong Son mountain range, sharing the joys and sorrows for many decades, both during the resistance war and during the period of defending the Fatherland.

The Laos-Vietnam relationship has gone through many challenges and become a special, loyal, pure relationship, rare in international relations.

Over the past 60 years, since the two countries officially established diplomatic relations on September 5, 1962, although the regional and international situation has changed constantly, the loyal, pure and close relationship between the people of Laos and Vietnam has not been affected. Moreover, it has grown in both breadth and depth, becoming more and more effective and bringing many practical benefits to the people of the two countries in all fields: politics, defense - security, diplomacy, economy - trade, investment, education - culture... At the same time, we have repelled the plots of hostile forces to sabotage the Laos - Vietnam relationship, closely coordinated in regional and international forums, and actively contributed to the cause of building peace, friendship and cooperation in the region and the world.

In particular, time has increasingly made the special friendship between our two countries stronger, as President Kaysone Phomvihan once said: "Mountains may wear away, rivers may dry up, but the Laos-Vietnam friendship will forever be stronger than mountains and rivers."

Reporter: “Loyalty, loyalty, purity”… the simplest yet most genuine adjectives have been used to describe the brotherly relationship between Vietnam and Laos. Is it true that these factors have contributed to fostering the “exemplary, rare” traditional relationship, and have been the driving force for the two countries to overcome many difficulties and hardships from wartime to peacetime, Ambassador?

Ambassador Sengphet Houngboungnuang: The Laos - Vietnam relationship is not only a relationship between two neighboring countries like other countries, but is like the brotherhood in a family, an exemplary relationship for international relations that is rare and unique in the world, as President Kaysone Phomvihan said: "In the history of world revolution, there are many examples of proletarian internationalism, but nowhere, and never before has there been a solidarity, a fighting alliance as special, long-standing, and comprehensive as the Laos - Vietnam relationship", or in the poem of President Ho Chi Minh, he wrote:

“Love can climb any mountain

Any river can be waded, any mountain can be crossed

Vietnam - Laos, our two countries

Love is deeper than the Red River and Mekong River

Those sayings have shown the reality that during the period of resistance war for national salvation as well as in the period of national construction and development today, the two countries always support and help each other in all circumstances to overcome difficulties and obstacles in the revolutionary process and gain independence of our two countries.

Today, we have become a great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between the two Parties, two States and peoples of Laos and Vietnam, becoming a priceless heritage of the two nations, the law of survival and development of the two countries, and the decisive factor in all victories in the revolution of each country.

Message of Gratitude

PV:This year, in addition to the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations, the two countries also celebrate the 45th anniversary of the signing of the Vietnam-Laos Friendship and Cooperation Treaty. Looking back over the long journey, what are the most prominent highlights in the cooperative relationship between the two sides, Ambassador?

Ambassador Sengphet Houngboungnuang:In 2022, the leaders of the two Parties and two States launched the Year of Solidarity and Friendship on January 8, 2022, during the official visit to Vietnam by Prime Minister Khamphan Viphavan.

During the Year of Solidarity and Friendship, both countries will organize activities to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations (September 5, 1962 - September 5, 2022); the 45th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation between the two countries (July 18, 1977 - July 18, 2022). Certainly, on this occasion, the leaders of the two countries will visit each other and attend the Celebration Ceremony held in Hanoi and the capital Vientiane.

These two historical events are of special significance to the relationship between the two countries. Because, as we have said, in the world there is no relationship as special and close as the relationship between our two countries.

This relationship was created by the sweat, efforts and blood of generations of leaders, cadres, soldiers and people of the two countries who together devoted themselves to revolution, democracy, national independence and national reunification.

Since the two countries signed the Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation, we have entered a new era - an era of peace, unity and independence. That context has created more favorable conditions for the two countries to help and support each other not only in bilateral relations but also in international forums. These are the highlights that have helped our relationship become increasingly tight not only in the fields of politics, security - defense, diplomacy, economics - trade but also in education - culture, society...

During the period of more than 35 years of renovation, the two countries have entered a new relationship with a new height, jointly developing the country, helping the people's lives to improve, progress, have a prosperous and happy life, and ensure social security and order. All of these things have helped our relationship become deeper and more trustworthy, contributing to the work of building peace and tightening relationships in the world and the region.

PV: 2022 has been chosen as the Year of Vietnam - Laos, Laos - Vietnam Solidarity and Friendship. How does the Ambassador evaluate the messages conveyed through this series of activities?

Ambassador Sengphet Houngboungnuang: As I said above, the leaders of the two countries launched 2022 as the Year of Laos-Vietnam and Vietnam-Laos Solidarity and Friendship. After the launching ceremony on January 8, 2022, a series of activities were held in all localities of both countries to celebrate two meaningful and important historical events of our two countries.

These activities aim to review the tradition of great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between Laos and Vietnam, which is an important factor in deciding all victories of the Lao and Vietnamese revolutions in the past cause of national liberation as well as in the current construction and development of both countries.

In addition, activities to propagate and educate cadres, civil servants, public employees, soldiers, police and people of all ethnic groups of the two countries, especially the young generation, to understand correctly, deeply and continue to preserve and promote the good traditions between the two countries. When we organize such activities, it also creates opportunities for you to participate, directly approach, learn, especially the storytelling sessions of veterans and the elderly who participated in the revolution.

The activities also aimed to show gratitude and appreciation for the contributions of the Party, State, soldiers and people of Laos and Vietnam, especially those who sacrificed their lives for the cause of national resistance, construction and development; the contributions of Party and State leaders of generations of the two countries who have guided the way to encourage, promote, support and help each other over the past time.

Shoulder to shoulder overcoming difficulties

PV: In the post-Covid-19 pandemic context, the recovery prospects of the world and the region are still uncertain with many risks, especially for small and medium-sized economies like Vietnam and Laos. According to the Ambassador, based on the achievements made over the past 6 decades, what areas can the two countries focus on to develop together to overcome the current difficulties?

Ambassador Sengphet Houngboungnuang: As we know, since the Covid-19 epidemic broke out at the end of 2019, it has had a severe impact on all aspects globally and especially since the beginning of 2020, it has seriously affected the economic life of Laos and Vietnam.

During the time affected by the epidemic, the two countries continued to support and help each other. In particular, at that time, the domestic situation in Vietnam was also very difficult because it had to concentrate all resources to deal with the epidemic, but the leaders of the Party and State of Vietnam still sent experts, supported medical equipment and provided financial support to Laos to respond to the epidemic.

During that time, despite the lack of financial resources, Laos tried its best to mobilize resources and the sentiments of the Lao people to share with the Vietnamese people, encouraging each other to overcome that difficult period.

When the epidemic is basically under control, from mid-2022, it is certain that the two Parties and two States will focus on economic recovery, how to stabilize development again and continue the growth momentum, ensuring the goals set by the two countries are achieved.

To overcome difficulties, first of all, the two countries must focus on strengthening cooperation and mutual support. In particular, Vietnam has a stronger position and always supports Laos in the process of economic recovery after the pandemic. At the same time, the two countries' senior leaders also organized visits, delegation exchanges, and exchanges not only after the pandemic but also during the pandemic. This is also one of the special points in the relationship between the two countries to exchange views on regional and international issues, learn from experience in epidemic prevention as well as post-pandemic economic development plans.

Exchange between Vietnamese youth and Lao students studying in Nghe An. Photo courtesy

Thanks to the regular exchange of delegations, despite being affected by the pandemic, the exchange of goods and trade between the two countries still tends to grow. This year in particular, the growth trend is even higher compared to 2021, especially in the first 5 months of the year. Certainly, in order to recover, we must strengthen cooperation in the fields of investment and trade. On the other hand, we also need to strengthen cooperation in the fields of politics, defense, security, education and culture...

Education and culture are also important areas to build a new generation to inherit the good traditions of the relationship between the two countries and understand each other's culture. And we must certainly focus on educating and propagating the tradition of the special relationship between Vietnam and Laos to the young generation so that they can understand, inherit, promote and preserve the tradition of the great friendship between the two countries, forever green and everlasting.

PV: The current complex geopolitical context also poses challenges for countries in the region, including Vietnam and Laos. As both members of the United Nations and international and regional organizations such as ASEAN, according to the Ambassador, how can Laos and Vietnam coordinate to strengthen their voices and actions to contribute to peace, security, stability and sustainable development in the region and the world?

Ambassador Sengphet Houngboungnuang: Regarding regional and international forums, I think that in the context of complex, rapid and unpredictable developments in the regional and international situation, coordination between the two countries is very important.

First of all, I would like to congratulate and welcome Vietnam's ASEAN Chairmanship 2020. In the context of the pandemic outbreak, Vietnam has still successfully assumed the role of ASEAN Chair and non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council.

In recent times, the regional and international situation has had many complicated developments, but Laos and Vietnam have always closely coordinated and unified views in responding to and resolving those issues, ensuring the interests of the two peoples.

In the coming time, I think that more than ever, the two countries must strengthen mutual coordination not only at the United Nations but also at other organizations such as the Non-Aligned Movement; the Francophone Community, ASEAN and cooperation frameworks such as the ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA), the East-West Economic Corridor (EWEC), the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) cooperation, ACMECS...

At these forums, many issues were raised that were related to the interests of our two countries. To ensure the interests of our two peoples, we must regularly exchange, discuss, unify views, and stand side by side to protect the interests of our two peoples in international forums. I think this is the best way to ensure each other's interests.

Strengthening propaganda and education for the young generation

PV: Speaking before the Lao National Assembly during his official friendship visit to Laos in August 2021, President Nguyen Xuan Phuc affirmed: "An extremely important task for the two Parties and two States is to continue to communicate and educate about the tradition of special relations and comprehensive cooperation between the two countries, especially with the younger generation...". So how should this task be implemented to bring about practical results, Ambassador?

Ambassador Sengphet Houngboungnuang:As I have shared, the Vietnam-Laos relationship is not only a partnership between the two countries but also a special relationship like brothers in a family. President Nguyen Xuan Phuc and General Secretary and President Thongloun Sisoulith always emphasize our special relationship, and we must do everything we can to make the younger generation understand the origin of this special relationship.

This relationship was built in the context of both countries fighting together against the common enemy. That is why President Ho Chi Minh, President Suphanuvong and President Kaysone Phomvihane built this relationship and the people of the two countries have worked hard to cultivate it into a great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation.

On the occasion of his friendship visit to Laos in August 2021, President Nguyen Xuan Phuc had the opportunity to speak at the Lao National Assembly and hand over the National Assembly House - a gift from the Party, State and people of Vietnam to the Party, State and people of Laos, he also affirmed.

So, how do we preserve and promote this tradition most effectively? This is a question that we need to find a clear answer together so that the younger generation can continue to preserve and promote this relationship as the previous generation did.

I think that organizing the Year of Solidarity and Friendship to celebrate two historic events every five years is also a way to promote the history of our relationship. Such activities will contribute significantly to the education and training of the younger generation to learn and exchange thoughts and experiences.

In addition, I think that the Voice of Vietnam and the Lao National Radio are the means that contribute a lot to the propaganda and promotion of the image of the country and its people, reflecting truthfully and vividly the cooperation and investment activities, the socio-economic development situation and the quality of life of the people of Vietnam and Laos. Through this, we can see the decisive leadership role of the two Parties and the two States to bring our two countries to Socialism.

Therefore, I think that the two sides need to coordinate and exchange information to increase the dissemination of news and articles through radio and television channels so that the people of the two countries can understand each other better, grasp each other's development situation, and they themselves are the bridges that contribute to fostering the great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between Laos and Vietnam to become deeper and stronger.

PV:As the Lao Ambassador to Vietnam, what plans does the Ambassador have to continue to nurture and promote the good traditional relationship between Vietnam and Laos?

Ambassador Sengphet Houngboungnuang: I am very honored and proud to be trusted and assigned by the Lao Party and State to be the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Lao PDR to Vietnam. Since my family and I arrived in Vietnam, we have received a warm welcome from Vietnamese friends like brothers and sisters of a family, feeling like we have come to our homeland.

But unfortunately, during my time working in Vietnam, I was greatly affected by the Covid-19 epidemic and I encountered many difficulties in traveling and organizing activities in Vietnam... But I still tried to participate in activities in Vietnam to promote the relationship between the two countries from the central to local levels, trying to go down to the provinces and localities of Vietnam to introduce, meet and talk with the Vietnamese people as much as possible; from there, understand the Vietnamese people and promote the relationship between the Vietnamese and Lao localities, so that our Laos-Vietnam relationship will develop more and more closely.

Certainly, in the coming time, although my working time in Vietnam is not much left, I will always try my best to promote the great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between the two Parties, two States, Armies and peoples of the two countries to become increasingly closer and sustainable.

In particular, 2022 is the Year of Solidarity and Friendship to celebrate two historical events of the two nations. I will do my best to participate in the activities that the two countries jointly organize to promote, contribute to cultivating and propagating the history and tradition of the special Vietnam-Laos relationship, especially activities related to young people, students and pupils.

I will try to participate as much as possible to promote and encourage you to learn about history, have a deep understanding of the relationship between the two countries and inherit the good traditions of the two countries' predecessors in cultivating the special solidarity between Laos and Vietnam.

PV: Thank you very much, Ambassador!

Phuong Hoa-Nguyen Xuyen