Lao Leaders Extend Congratulations to Vietnam on National Day, Emphasize "Special Solidarity"

Lao leaders have sent a joint congratulatory message to their Vietnamese counterparts on the occasion of the 81st Anniversary of the National Day of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, September 2, 2026. The message was signed by Mr. Thongloun Sisoulith, General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party and President of the Lao PDR; Mr. Sonexay Siphandone, Prime Minister; and Ms. Sounthone Xayachack, Acting President of the National Assembly. It was addressed to Mr. Tô Lâm, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee and President of Vietnam; Mr. Le Minh Hung, Prime Minister; and Mr. Tran Thanh Man, Chairman of the National Assembly. The Lao leaders congratulated the Party, State and people of Vietnam on the country’s achievements over the past 81 years, particularly during the Đổi Mới process, noting Vietnam’s economic growth, political stability, improved living standards and growing international standing. They expressed pride in the great friendship, special solidarity, comprehensive cooperation and strategic partnership between Laos and Vietnam, describing the relationship as a valuable heritage and an important factor in the development of both countries. The Lao side reaffirmed its commitment to preserving and further strengthening the special relationship, contributing to peace, stability and development in the region and beyond. On the same occasion, Mr. Thongsavanh Phomvihane, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, also sent a congratulatory message to his Vietnamese counterpart. This congratulatory message reiterates the historically close ties between Laos and Vietnam, particularly the strong bonds between the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party and the Communist Party of Vietnam. As both nations maintain one-party systems, the inter-party cooperation is a crucial element in state governance. Vietnam is a major economic and political partner for Laos, which relies heavily on foreign investment, especially from China and Vietnam, to address its economic challenges. Emphasizing "special solidarity" with Vietnam thus suggests Laos's strategic positioning to bolster its diplomatic foundations for regional standing and economic development. In related news, President Thongloun Sisoulith met with Mr. Nurlan Yermekbayev, Secretary-General of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), on August 31, on the sidelines of the SCO Plus meeting in Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic. He had arrived in Bishkek on August 31 to attend the summit, held from August 31 to September 1, 2026. Additionally, an inter-sectoral coordination group between Vietnam and Laos conducted an inspection in Dien Bien province from August 26 to 28 to review the implementation of the 2007 Hanoi Agreement on facilitating the movement of people, vehicles, and goods across the shared border. The first Congress of the Party Cell of the Committee for Investment Promotion and Management (CIPM) was also held on August 31, 2026. Information Source: KPL Laos News