Mass gathering in Laos marks 80th anniversary of Vietnam’s National Day

A grand event to mark the 80th anniversary of Vietnam’s National Day (September 2, 1945-September 2, 2025) was held at the National Convention Centre in Vientiane on Saturday, reflecting the deep-rooted friendship between Laos and Vietnam.
The event was led by Politburo Member, Standing Member of the Party Central Committee Secretariat, and Vice President of Laos, Mr Bounthong Chitmany.

Mr Bounthong Chitmany addresses an event at the National Convention Centre on Saturday to mark the 80th anniversary of Vietnam’s National Day.

Also in attendance were high-level representatives from the Party, Government, National Assembly, Lao Front for National Development, mass organisations, and former presidents and Party leaders.
Addressing the gathering, Mr Bounthong reflected on the shared history and enduring solidarity between the two nations.
He recalled the founding of the Indochinese Communist Party by President Ho Chi Minh in 1930 — a movement that laid the foundation for both the Communist Party of Vietnam and the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party.
He highlighted Vietnam’s historic victory during the August Revolution of 1945, which led to the proclamation of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam.
The Vice President also praised Vietnam’s progress through decades of struggle, rebuilding and reform, particularly its political and economic renewal policies initiated in the 1980s, which placed a strong focus on  development, Party strengthening, and improved living standards.
Speaking on behalf of the Party, state, and multi-ethnic people of Laos, Mr Bounthong expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Vietnamese people for their steadfast support during Laos’ liberation struggle and national development efforts.
He reiterated Laos’ commitment to nurturing the countries’ unique relationship — one characterised by deep friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation.
“This is a rare and exemplary relationship in international relations, one that we must preserve and pass on to future generations,” he said.
Despite complex and volatile regional and international situations, the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between the parties, states and peoples of Laos and Vietnam have endured the test of fire during decades of revolution.
“This relationship has not faded with time; instead, it continues to be nurtured, preserved and strengthened, deepening in all fields and blossoming continuously. It brings tangible benefits to our peoples, as demonstrated by the wide-ranging cooperation between our nations,” Mr Bounthong said.
He cited the growth in bilateral trade and investment, with the value of two-way trade reaching US$1,745 million in the first six months of this year.

Current and former leaders of the Lao Party and government gather for a photo session during the event.

The two parties and governments have set a target to achieve US$5 billion in bilateral trade by the end of 2025.
Vietnam continues to be one of the leading investors in Laos, with total investment of US$5.8 billion, representing a 32 percent increase compared to 2024. Laos’ exports to Vietnam reached US$1,219 million, while the value of imports from Vietnam totalled US$526 million.
On the same occasion, Vietnamese Ambassador to Laos, Nguyen Minh Tam, expressed his profound appreciation to the Lao Party, Government, and people.
He described the event as a moving demonstration of the enduring Laos-Vietnam bond, noting that Laos was the only country to organise a formal celebration of the anniversary.
Ambassador Tam highlighted the importance of this relationship, saying that every victory Vietnam has achieved over the past 80 years has been supported by international friends, with Laos standing out as an unwavering and invaluable partner.
“Sharing the same historical journey, living side by side along the majestic Phou Luang Mountain range, and nourished by the waters of the Mekong, our two nations have always stood shoulder to shoulder, in times of struggle and in times of building peace and prosperity, which continues until the present day,” he said.

By Bounfaeng Phaymanivong
(Latest Update September 1, 2025)