The event was attended by Lao Party General Secretary and President Thongloun Sisoulith, leaders of the Lao Party and State, representatives of ministries and localities, veteran revolutionaries, delegates from Vientiane, international delegations, diplomatic missions, international organizations in Laos and overseas Lao communities.
General Secretary To Lam, his spouse and other delegates at the event.
General Secretary To Lam and his spouse joined the celebration together with Vietnam's high-level delegation.
In his address, Lao Party General Secretary and President Thongloun Sisoulith recalled that 50 years ago this very location brought together revolutionaries and patriotic Lao citizens who seized power in Vientiane and moved toward the national congress that abolished the colonial and feudal regimes, leading to the founding of the Lao People's Democratic Republic on December 2 1975.
He said this historic turning point profoundly changed the nation's destiny and opened a new era of building a beloved country that advances with confidence on the path of independence, unity and prosperity, ensuring a warm, free and happy life for all Lao ethnic groups.
Overview of the event.
He honored the great victories of the revolution and expressed deep gratitude for the sacrifices of President Kaysone Phomvihane, President Souphanouvong, generations of leaders, soldiers, heroes and Party members who fought bravely for national liberation without yielding to hardship.
He also thanked friendly nations, development partners, international organizations and social groups for their support over the past half century in protecting and developing Laos.
Thongloun Sisoulith said the past 50 years represent the creation, consolidation and development of the Lao PDR, built through decades of determined struggle and sacrifice by generations of Lao people along with valuable support from friendly countries. He highlighted the solidarity of Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia, which formed a decisive force leading to historic victories embodied in President Kaysone's words that long struggle brings great triumph.
He reaffirmed the revolutionary ideals that guide the country forward, including steadfast adherence to socialism and the unity of the entire population to build a strong people's democratic system. He said all state power belongs to the people and the state must work for their happiness, which has remained the unwavering aspiration of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party and the Lao people.
Looking ahead, he said Laos will maintain a foreign policy of peace, independence, friendship and cooperation for development. He emphasized efforts to strengthen ties with strategic friends, build an independent economy and pursue balanced development between the economy, society, culture and the environment in a sustainable direction. He said Laos will combine national strength with global opportunities, promote national identity, independence and resilience and ensure citizens enjoy development outcomes fairly.
Laos aims to achieve the long-term goal stated in the Party's Political Platform that by 2055, on the 100th anniversary of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party, the country will reach upper middle income status, have a strong political system, a modern economic foundation and a well-developed productive force while ensuring a secure and improving quality of life for its people.
Thongloun Sisoulith said Laos will continue to safeguard the achievements of the revolution and remain loyal to the ideals passed down through generations.
Following his speech, a ceremonial parade took place featuring the armed forces, ministries, mass organizations and social groups, highlighting progress in economic development, social welfare and national defense over the past five decades.
The celebration drew large crowds who expressed strong confidence in the nation's future, built on the foundation laid by previous generations and carried forward by today's and tomorrow's leaders as they work to build a peaceful, independent, democratic, unified and prosperous Laos.