In his speech, General Secretary Lam, who is in Vientiane on a State visit to Laos, expressed his joy and deep emotions upon returning to Laos. He noted that the special relationship between the two countries, cultivated by leaders such as President Ho Chi Minh, President Kaysone Phomvihane, President Souphanouvong, and generations of leaders from both Parties and States, has become an extraordinary, rare bond in modern world history, based on the principles of “purity, loyalty, and sacrifice.”

“Solidarity is the very essence of Vietnam-Laos relations. Without this unifying force, we would merely be two neighbouring countries 'standing next to each other.' Thanks to solidarity, we become two nations 'standing together' in the journey of development,” said the Vietnamese Party leader.

He further affirmed that the Vietnam-Laos solidarity is not only a deep emotional bond but also the foundation for comprehensive cooperation and strategic connection in the new era. He highlighted the mutual sacrifices and joint struggles that both countries endured throughout their revolutionary histories. These shared experiences have shaped a deep sense of solidarity and cooperation in advancing national independence and construction.

Looking ahead, General Secretary To Lam emphasised the importance of continuing to build on the legacy of this “great friendship” and “special solidarity” between the two countries. He reaffirmed that both Vietnam and Laos are committed to a path of national independence aligned with socialism, and are working together to create socialist-oriented market economies and rule-of-law states, with a focus on the well-being of their people.

He also drew attention to the ongoing efforts to foster peace, friendship, and cooperative development along their shared border, with an emphasis on resource-sharing and enhancing mutual opportunities for growth.

In terms of educational and institutional cooperation, the leader highlighted the critical need for Vietnam and Laos to share expertise in areas such as governance, public administration reform, and financial management. He suggested that both countries should deepen their collaboration in educational programmes, particularly those aimed at developing strategic leadership and enhancing the skills of future generations.

“Together, we need to continue building joint training programmes, strategic leadership courses, master's and doctoral programmes, and joint research groups on public administration reform, digital transformation, and sustainable development,” he proposed.

The General Secretary also outlined key principles for advancing the strategic partnership between the two countries. He emphasised the need to maintain strong trust, uphold mutual respect, and handle shared challenges with sincerity and transparency. Solidarity, he noted, remains the driving force behind the long-term development of both countries, providing a stable foundation in an increasingly competitive world.

He also spoke of the potential to leverage geographical, economic, political, and cultural synergies, transforming the shared border into a space of opportunity for development and integration. He urged that differences between the two countries should be viewed as assets, offering unique strengths that complement and enrich one another.

Furthermore, he called for a human-centred approach in all bilateral projects and policies. It is essential, he said, that infrastructure projects whether roads, bridges, or economic zones are designed with the goal of improving the lives of people on both sides of the border. These initiatives must benefit local communities directly, fostering tangible improvements in their living standards and creating more opportunities for the youth.

Finally, the Party leader appealed to the younger generation to continue nurturing the Vietnam-Laos solidarity by embracing innovation, creativity, and technology. He encouraged the youth to focus on meaningful, impactful projects that will not only carry forward the legacy of cooperation but also contribute to building a sustainable and prosperous future for both countries.

Vietnam and Laos strengthen strategic connectivity, outline new vision for future

VOV.VN - Top leaders of Vietnam and Laos agreed to elevate bilateral relations to a new stage with the new pillar of strategic connectivity, reaffirming their shared commitment to deepening comprehensive cooperation and shaping a long-term vision for sustainable development.