In the congratulatory letter, sent on December 1, Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, State President Truong Tan Sang, Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung, and National Assembly Chairman Nguyen Sinh Hung said they were delighted that, under the sound leadership of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party and with traditional patriotism, Lao people have gained great achievements during the process of national construction and defence.

National defence and security are ensured while the country enjoys high economic growth, they said, adding that the country’s status in the region and the world has also improved.

The Vietnamese leaders also expressed their pleasure with the development of the traditional friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation founded by late Presidents Ho Chi Minh and Cayson Phomvihan. They said the relationship is a invaluable asset for the two countries.

The same day, Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh cabled a letter of congratulation to his Lao counterpart, Thongloun Sisoulith.