Fireworks light up the National Stadium in Vientiane as part of an event to showcase Laos-Vietnam friendship following the success of Laos’ 12th Party Congress.

Laos-Vietnam friendship takes centre stage at concert celebrating Party Congress

A spectacular show staged in Vientiane on Friday celebrated the success of the 12th National Congress of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party and the 105th anniversary of the birth of President Kaysone Phomvihane, also highlighting Laos and Vietnam’s enduring friendship.
The 12th Party Congress re-elected Comrade Thongloun Sisoulith as Secretary General for a second term.

Party Secretary General and state President Thongloun Sisoulith and his wife wave to performers during the celebratory show at the National Stadium on Friday.

Thousands of people gathered at the National Stadium in the capital to watch the show, creating a vibrant and patriotic atmosphere. Bright stage lights, large screens and the proudly flying flags of Laos and Vietnam set the scene for a night combining culture, history, and deep political meaning.
The performance, which took the theme “Laos-Vietnam: Song of Friendship”, attracted top leaders from both countries.
Secretary General and President Thongloun Sisoulith and his wife attended alongside Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone and his wife.
Central Committee members of the Communist Party of Vietnam were also present to share in the joyous occasion, including Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Nguyen Van Hung, along with ambassadors, senior officials, and invited guests.
Speaking at the event, Party Central Committee member and Minister of Culture and Tourism, Mrs Suanesavanh Vignaket, said the performance carried deep political and historical significance.

Minister of Culture and Tourism, Mrs Suanesavanh Vignaket.

“This performance is more than ordinary artistic entertainment; it is a historical song deeply rooted in our shared struggle for national liberation,” she said.
The event was organaised to honour the achievements of the 12th Party Congress while reaffirming the special solidarity between Laos and Vietnam, which she described as a friendship forged through shared sacrifice during the struggle for national liberation.
The performance was part of a broader programme of activities linked to the Party Congress, reflecting political confidence and national unity, while also showcasing the deep and lasting friendship between Laos and Vietnam.
Mrs Suanesavanh said this relationship has since broadened into strategic cooperation on the road to economic development, also bolstering cultural exchange and regional connectivity.
The two countries’ special friendship is a valuable legacy of the revolution that must be preserved and passed down through future generations, she added.
The programme combined traditional styles of performance art with dramatic light shows. Three-dimensional mapping projected images of the Truong Son mountain range and the Mekong River, symbolising the geographical and historical links between the two countries.
The audience enjoyed a series of performances depicting revolutionary history, cultural ties, and shared values. These included the dance Truong Son Bloodline and the popular song Sao Xam Neua, which drew enthusiastic applause and an emotional response from spectators.
As the evening progressed, the atmosphere grew increasingly lively.
In the final segment of the programme, more than 800 performers appeared on stage together, filling the stadium with music and movement.
The show ended with a 15-minute firework display, synchronised to a musical background, as the crowd cheered and recorded the dazzling display on their phones.
Earlier in the day, Vientiane hosted a rally marking the successful outcomes of the 12th National Party Congress of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party.
The event was attended by Secretary General Thongloun Sisoulith, members of the Politburo and Party Central Committee, leaders of ministries and provinces, civil servants, soldiers, police, monks, nuns and students.
Last month, Laos and Vietnam upgraded their long-standing friendly relations, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation to a Great Friendship, Special Solidarity, Comprehensive Cooperation and Strategic Partnership during a state visit to Laos by the General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam, To Lam.
This upgraded partnership underscores the political trust between the two parties and states, while beginning a new stage of cooperation in political affairs, economic development, cultural ties, and people-to-people links.

By Phonepaseuth Volakhoun
(Latest Update January 12, 2026)