Talking with the Vietnam News Agency ahead of Party General Secretary To Lam’s December 1–2 state visit to Vientiane where he and his spouse will join a high-ranking delegation at a rally and parade marking the 50th anniversary of Laos’ National Day at the invitation of LPRP General Secretary and President Thongloun Sisoulith, Navongxay said over the past five decades of national construction and defence since Laos’ founding, the LPRP and the Communist Party of Viet Nam have worked closely together, shared experience and supported each other across every domain.
Viet Nam, he said, has been not only a friend and comrade, but also a reliable partner standing with Laos through its most difficult times as well as in its current development path.
Navongxay singled out personnel training as a standout pillar: generations of Lao leaders and key officials have trained in Viet Nam in everything from political theory, economics and diplomacy to national defence-security, science and engineering. This, he said, provides vivid evidence of the trust, attachment and strong cooperation between the two Parties, and Viet Nam’s practical and effective contribution to Laos’ long-term development.
Beyond education and training, ties between the two Parties, States and peoples have been maintained through regular high-level visits and exchanges at various levels and sectors. Viet Nam has provided substantial non-refundable aid for important projects in Laos, spurring socio-economic development, especially in disadvantaged localities, with roads, schools, hospitals, training centres and agro-forestry zones funded by Viet Nam now delivering direct benefits to Lao communities nationwide.
In health care and education, Vietnamese-built facilities in mountainous and border provinces, coupled with dispatched doctors and teachers, have markedly raised service quality in underserved areas.
Above all, both Parties, States and peoples share a profound sense of duty to preserve and nurture this unique relationship, a common asset and a sacred legacy built by predecessors that today’s generations are obliged to protect and elevate, he said.
He expressed full confidence that the upcoming resolutions of Laos’ 12th and Viet Nam’s 14th Party Congresses will steer even tighter leadership coordination, translating into deeper, more substantive and effective cooperation across the board.
Looking forward, both sides remain committed to realising the wide-ranging strategic agreements reached between the two Politburos, he added.
He highlighted the growing flow of Vietnamese students to Laos and Lao students to Viet Nam as a vital channel not only for professional advancement but for passing the torch of unique, pure and loyal bilateral friendship to the next generation.
The overriding priority, he stressed, is sustained education and outreach so that every stratum of society, especially the youth who will steer both nations’ futures, fully values, respects and carries forward this special bond.
On the occasion, he conveyed his heartfelt thanks to the Vietnamese Party, State and people for their longstanding, sincere and effective support for their Lao counterparts. He voiced firm belief their great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation will enable both countries to surmount all challenges together, achieve common prosperity and further solidify their exemplary fraternal ties.
