Vietnam and Laos treasure close-knit bond for future generations

The Lao diplomat granted an exclusive interview to VOV to mark the 45th anniversary of the signing of the Vietnam - Laos Friendship and Cooperation Treaty on July 18 and the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations on September 5.

Here are some excerpts from the interview.

VOV: Sixty years is an important milestone for any bilateral relationship. As Ambassador, what is the significance of this historical milestone?

Ambassador: Laos and Vietnam are two close neighbours that drink from the same source of water, lean against the majestic Truong Son mountain range, and have provided mutual support for each other both in the past and at present.

Late Lao President Kaysone Phomvihan said the history of the world revolution has witnessed many examples of proletarian internationalism, nowhere has there ever been a special long-standing and comprehensive solidarity and combat alliance like the one that exists between our countries.

Despite regional and global changes, this relationship has strongly developed across all fields, from politics, defence - security, and diplomacy to economy – trade - investment, education, culture, and people’s exchanges, thereby bringing about practical benefits to the two peoples.

At the same time, the two sides have co-ordinated closely to repel the plots of hostile forces against mutual relations, while having worked closely together at regional and international forums, actively contributing to the cause of peace, friendship, and co-operation in the region and the wider world.

It can be said that this relationship has experienced many upheavals and become a special, faithful, pure, and rare relationship in terms of international relations. It has served as an invaluable asset for both peoples, a rule of life and development of the two countries, and a decisive factor behind every victory in each country’s revolution.

VOV: What are the major highlights in the co-operative relationship between the two sides, Ambassador?

Ambassador: This year has seen leaders of the two Parties and States launch the Year of Solidarity and Friendship between Laos and Vietnam on January 8 during Prime Minister Khamphan Viphavan’s official visit to Vietnam.

Both countries are set to hold numerous activities in order to mark 60 years of joint ties and 45 years of their Friendship and Cooperation Treaty. Leaders of the two countries will also visit each other to jointly attend celebrations which will be held in Hanoi and Vientiane.

Since the two countries signed the Treaty, they have entered a new era of peace, unity, and independence. The signing of the Treaty has further created conditions for the two sides to help and support each other, not only in bilateral relations, but also at international forums.

The implementation of the Doi Moi (Renewal) process in their respective countries over the past three decades has yielded great results, thereby helping to maintain socio-political stability, foster greater economic development, and improve people’s well-being. These gains have helped deepen our relationship with trust, whilst contributing to peace-building, and cementing relationships both regionally and globally.

VOV: What is the message that leaders of the two countries want to promote when they launch the Year of Solidarity and Friendship between Laos and Vietnam?

Ambassador: As I said activities which will be held during the year aim to review the tradition of great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive co-operation between Laos and Vietnam, which is an important factor in determining all victories of the Vietnamese and Lao revolutions in the past cause of national liberation as well as in the construction and development of both countries today.

Furthermore, these activities are aimed at educating people, especially the young, about our special relationship that should be preserved and promoted in all circumstances. By holding these activities we can fully pay tribute and express gratitude to generations of leaders, revolutionary veterans, and people for their great contributions to developing this special relationship today.

VOV: Both Vietnam and Laos are small economies that are vulnerable to global shocks, and the COVID-19 pandemic is a primary example of this. What do you think both countries should do to overcome difficulties altogether?

Ambassador: As we all know, since its outbreak in late 2019, the COVID-19 pandemic has taken its toll on the global economy, as well as small economies like Vietnam and Laos. There is no exception.

Despite the outbreak, the two countries have continued to support and assist each other. It’s worth remembering that Vietnam sent experts and provided medical equipment and financial support for Laos to cope with the epidemic, though the outbreak was evolving in a complicated manner in the country. Laos also tried its best to mobilise resources to share with the Vietnamese people and encourage each other to overcome the difficult times.

With the outbreak being brought under control in the middle of this year, it is certain that the two Parties and States will focus their energies on economic recovery and growth momentum as a means of meeting the set goals.

In order to overcome these difficulties, the two countries must first focus on strengthening co-operation and mutual support through regular visit exchanges. It’s noteworthy that two-way trade maintained growth in the first five months of this year and is expected to beat the 2021 figure.

As a way of ensuring the recovery process is on the right track, we must strengthen co-operation in investment and trade, along with other fields such as politics, defense, security, education, and culture.

VOV: The current complex geopolitical context also poses challenges to countries in the region, including Vietnam and Laos. How can both sides co-ordinate and act to contribute to peace, security, stability, and sustainable development in the region and the wider world?

Ambassador: Well, close co-ordination between the two countries is very important given recent regional and global complications. Such efforts should seek to be enhanced not only at the UN, but also other organisations such as the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), the Francophone Community, and ASEAN, as well as within co-operation frameworks such as the ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA), the East-West Economic Corridor (EWEC), the Greater Mekong Sub-region (GMS), and the Ayeyawady-Chao Phraya-Mekong Economic Cooperation Strategy (ACMECS).

At these forums, many issues related to the interests of our two countries are raised, requiring both sides to regularly exchange, discuss, and unify views, as well as standing side by side to protect our interests.

VOV: What have you done during your working term in Vietnam to continue cultivating and promoting the good traditional relationship between the two countries?

Ambassador: I am very proud to have been appointed Ambassador of Laos to Vietnam. Since my family and I first set foot here, we have received a warm welcome from out Vietnamese friends, and we feel as if we live in our homeland.

Unfortunately, the subsequent outbreaks of COVID-19 impacted my tentative plan. Despite this, along with diplomatic contact and exchanges in Hanoi, I tried to travel to localities whenever possible to understand the different culture and customs, with lots of attempts made to explore future co-operation opportunities between localities of the two countries.

There is not much time left until the end of my working term here and I will try my best in organising activities that help to promote the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive co-operation between the two countries.