Former General Secretary Nong Duc Manh, Politburo members Bui Thi Minh Hoai, Phan Van Giang and Hanoi Party Secretary Nguyen Duy Ngoc attended the ceremony. Also present were Central Committee members, the Deputy Prime Minister, leaders of central ministries and organizations, representatives of the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations, the Vietnam–Laos Friendship Association and the Liaison Committee of Vietnamese Volunteer Soldiers in Laos.

Delegates at the event. 

From the Lao side, attendees included Lao Ambassador to Vietnam Khamphau Ernthavanh, members of President Kaysone Phomvihane’s family, officials of the Lao Embassy in Vietnam and Lao citizens and students living and studying in the country.

During the ceremony, State President Luong Cuong reviewed the major milestones of the Lao revolution. He emphasized that under the leadership of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party, the Lao people united and fought with determination, achieving historic victories. 

The establishment of the Lao Issara Government on October 12, 1945 and the founding of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic on December 2, 1975 marked a new era of independence and freedom for Laos.

Cuong said the past 50 years have been a proud and transformative chapter for the Lao people. Laos has achieved significant progress in all areas, maintained political and social stability, strengthened national defense and security and steadily improved living standards, with per capita income rising nearly twentyfold over four decades. International relations have expanded and the Lao PDR’s role and reputation continue to grow.

He extended warm congratulations on Laos’ achievements over the past five decades. He also paid tribute to President Kaysone Phomvihane, describing him as a symbol of patriotism, strategic vision and lifelong dedication to the people. His legacy and guiding principles remain a precious foundation for Laos today.

He affirmed that the special Vietnam–Laos relationship, built by Presidents Ho Chi Minh, Kaysone Phomvihane and Souphanouvong and nurtured by generations of leaders and citizens of both countries, has become “a relationship unmatched in world history”. This bond, forged through shared struggle and sacrifice, is an invaluable asset and a solid pillar for future generations.

Art performance during the event. 

Cuong recalled Kaysone Phomvihane’s words urging both nations to preserve and cultivate the Vietnam–Laos friendship like a precious gem. He stressed that the spirit of unity, loyalty and mutual support between the two peoples remains unchanged and must continue to guide both nations forward.

He noted that despite fast-changing regional and global developments, Vietnam and Laos have maintained close coordination and achieved important results in implementing the Party Congress resolutions of each country. 

Cooperation agreements between the two Parties and States have been carried out with concrete progress, strengthening the great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between the two nations.

Cuong offered best wishes to the Lao people under the leadership of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party and expressed confidence that Laos will continue to make major strides in fulfilling the targets of the Eleventh Party Congress and the 2021–2025 socio-economic plan and successfully prepare for the Twelfth Party Congress. He affirmed that Vietnam will always stand with Laos and work tirelessly to deepen the two countries’ special relationship.

Lao Ambassador Khamphao Ernthavanh expressed deep gratitude for the heartfelt solidarity Vietnam has extended to Laos throughout its struggle for national liberation and its ongoing development efforts. He reviewed key milestones in the formation of the Lao PDR and highlighted Laos’ achievements over fifty years of national construction and nearly forty years of renewal.

The Ambassador stressed that the special Laos–Vietnam relationship has endured through complex global changes and has become a treasured asset of both nations and a decisive factor in the success of each country’s revolution. He reaffirmed Laos’ commitment to preserving and strengthening this unique and enduring bond.

He also praised Vietnam’s major achievements after nearly forty years of renewal, expressing confidence that Vietnam will reach its goal of becoming a developed, high-income country by 2045. He pledged that Laos will stand side by side with Vietnam to keep the special relationship “ever green and everlasting”.

Before the ceremony, Cuong and other delegates visited a photo exhibition on the great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Laos, jointly organized by the Lao Embassy and Vietnam’s Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.