Speaking to the media in Laos, Somsavath Lengsavad expressed deep admiration for the resilience, vision and consistency demonstrated by the Communist Party of Vietnam throughout its leadership of the country amid successive challenges, guiding Vietnam step by step along its development path.

Having closely followed Vietnam’s reform process, he recalled that Doi Moi was launched at the Party’s Sixth National Congress in 1986, marking the start of a comprehensive reform period at a time when Vietnam faced profound economic, political and external pressures amid sweeping global changes. He noted that the collapse of the Soviet Union and the dissolution of socialist regimes in Eastern Europe fundamentally altered the international landscape, compounding the challenges confronting Vietnam.

Despite these difficulties, Vietnam stayed the course on its socialist path while adjusting its thinking and policies to meet new circumstances. The Communist Party of Vietnam, he said, applied Marxism-Leninism in a creative manner and adopted decisions suited to national realities and broader global trends.

According to Somsavath Lengsavad, one of Vietnam’s most notable achievements over 40 years of Doi Moi has been the formulation of an appropriate economic development strategy that closely links economic reform with political and social stability. At the same time, Vietnam has pursued an independent, self-reliant foreign policy centred on peace, cooperation and development, adopting flexible and pragmatic approaches suited to regional and global conditions. These policies, he said, have enabled Vietnam to mobilise combined domestic and international resources in support of national development.

The former Lao Deputy PM congratulated Vietnam on its achievements, noting that compared with many countries in the region, Vietnam stands out for its progress in nation-building and development. From economic growth and poverty reduction to infrastructure development, improvements in living standards and a stronger international profile, the country has made impressive advances across multiple fronts.

In addition to assessing Vietnam’s achievements, Somsavath Lengsavad underscored the significance of the great friendship, special solidarity, comprehensive cooperation and strategic bonding between Vietnam and Laos. He described the bilateral relationship as an invaluable asset forged over generations and cemented by the sacrifices and shared struggles of cadres, soldiers and people of both countries throughout their revolutionary history.

Amid an increasingly complex and unpredictable regional and global environment, he said elevating bilateral ties to the level of great friendship, special solidarity, comprehensive cooperation and strategic cohesion is well suited to current realities. Such a framework, he added, will allow Vietnam and Laos to continue advancing together while contributing to peace, stability, cooperation and development in Southeast Asia and beyond.

Looking ahead, Somsavath Lengsavad stressed that a key priority for sustaining and passing on the special relationship between the two Parties, States and peoples is to strengthen education for younger generations in both countries.

Young people, he said, must gain a clear understanding of the history of the combat alliance, mutual support and shared sacrifices between the two nations during their most challenging periods. More importantly, they need to recognize that Laos and Vietnam share common ideological foundations in Marxism-Leninism, along with shared ideals and goals of national independence and socialism.

No matter how the world changes, unity remains the decisive factor for success, he said, noting that the shared history of Vietnam and Laos provides compelling proof of this truth. Quoting President Ho Chi Minh’s well-known words, “Unity, unity, great unity. Success, success, great success”, he added that this enduring principle continues to serve as a powerful source of inspiration for the two countries as they move forward together towards peace, independence, democracy and prosperity.

Vietnam will gain greater achievements in Doi Moi cause: Chinese expert

Ling Dequan, a researcher at China’s Centre for World Affairs Studies, has expressed his belief that under the leadership of the 13th Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee, with Party General Secretary and State President To Lam as leader, the Vietnamese people will reap greater achievements in their cause of Doi Moi (Renewal).