Lao foreign minister praises eight decades of development in Việt Nam

Việt Nam has established diplomatic relations with 194 countries and elevated ties to Strategic Comprehensive Partnerships with all five permanent members of the UN Security Council.

Lao Foreign Minister Thongsavanh Phomvihane has lauded Việt Nam’s remarkable journey of nation-building, socio-economic development and international integration under the leadership of the Communist Party of Việt Nam (CPV).

In a recent interview with the Vietnam News Agency on the threshold of the 80th anniversary of National Day on September 2, the diplomat emphasised Việt Nam’s transformation from a war-torn and impoverished country into a modern one with political stability and social safety and order, crediting the visionary leadership of the CPV and the Government's effective management for the nation's dramatic progress.

Việt Nam’s economic growth has been nothing short of impressive, he said. Now ranking as the world’s 33rd largest economy and among the fastest-growing nations globally, the country is aiming for more than 8 per cent GDP growth in 2025, with aspirations to achieve double-digit expansion from 2026 onward. The 17 free trade agreements Việt Nam has signed with trading partners will facilitate the country’s trade promotion and international integration.

Quality of life for its citizens has improved, with per capita income surging from US$498 in 2000 to over $4,000 in 2024 – clear evidence of the country's sustainable development.

As for international relations, Việt Nam has established diplomatic relations with 194 countries and elevated ties to Strategic Comprehensive Partnerships with all five permanent members of the UN Security Council. The country has actively contributed to global peace, stability and sustainable development, he said.

Minister Thongsavanh emphasised that these historic achievements serve as tremendous encouragement and motivation for Laos, fuelling its national development efforts. He expressed hope that Việt Nam will deliver on its targets by 2045.

Highlighting the great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between Việt Nam and Laos, the foundation of which was laid by President Hồ Chí Minh, President Kaysone Phomvihane and President Souphanouvong, he said the two countries stood shoulder to shoulder in their struggles for national liberation with a complete victory in 1975. Since then, bilateral relations have been continuously consolidated and developed across all fields.

Both nations boast strong political trust, maintaining regular meetings at all levels. In defence, security and foreign affairs, they have coordinated closely in border protection, prevention of transnational crime and drug trafficking, and maintaining peace.

Meanwhile, two-way trade has grown annually, with revenue in the first half of this year reaching nearly $2 billion, establishing a foundation to achieve a target of $5 billion. Việt Nam is one of the top three foreign investors in Laos. Cultural cooperation has also resulted in numerous exchange activities and educational partnerships.

Thongsavanh said the two sides will continue to bring into full play agreements reached by high-ranking leaders, focusing on strengthening political cooperation and defence and security partnerships – the pillars of bilateral relations.

They will also step up communication efforts to raise awareness among younger generations of the special relations between Việt Nam and Laos, while bolstering economic collaboration, working together to improve workforce quality and coordinating at international forums and within ASEAN.