On the afternoon of March 24, in a gesture of enduring solidarity and mutual respect, a delegation from Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), led by Mr. Nguyễn Thanh Nghị, Member of the Party Central Committee and Permanent Deputy Secretary of the HCMC Party Committee, visited the Consulate General of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic in HCMC. The visit took place in celebration of the 70th anniversary of the founding of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party (March 22, 1955 – March 22, 2025), a historic milestone that not only honors the resilience of the Lao people but also highlights the unbreakable bonds between Vietnam and Laos.

Speaking on behalf of the Party Committee, authorities, and people of HCMC, Mr. Nguyễn Thanh Nghị warmly congratulated Mr. Phonesy Bounmixay, Consul General of Laos in HCMC, along with the officials and staff of the Lao Consulate General. He extended heartfelt best wishes to the Party, State, and people of Laos, underscoring that the remarkable achievements of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party over the past seven decades are a source of pride not only for Laos but also for Vietnam, its trusted neighbor and closest partner.

Mr. Nguyễn Thanh Nghị reflected on the extraordinary journey that Laos has undertaken since the founding of its Party in 1955—first in leading the people to independence and national unification, and later in guiding the country through a path of reconstruction, renovation, and integration. These achievements, he noted, stand as a testament to the Lao people’s determination, unity, and vision under the steadfast leadership of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party.

In his remarks, Mr. Nguyễn Thanh Nghị emphasized that the special solidarity between Vietnam and Laos is a rare and invaluable relationship—one that has been carefully nurtured by generations of leaders and people. He recalled that this great friendship was laid down by President Hồ Chí Minh, President Kaysone Phomvihane, and President Souphanouvong, who envisioned a partnership built not on convenience, but on shared sacrifice, revolutionary ideals, and a commitment to a common destiny.

This solidarity, he said, is not only a treasured legacy of the past but also a guiding principle for the future. It is the compass by which the two Parties, States, and peoples orient their cooperation and development, ensuring that the bond remains strong in the face of global challenges and regional changes.

Mr. Nguyễn Thanh Nghị affirmed that the Party Committee, authorities, and people of HCMC always attach the highest priority to preserving and promoting this special solidarity. For HCMC, cooperation with Laos is not just a diplomatic duty but a heartfelt commitment, deeply rooted in history and expressed through concrete actions across many fields of partnership.

Highlighting the city’s longstanding ties with Laos, Mr. Nguyễn Thanh Nghị recalled that HCMC maintains close and dynamic relations with four twinned Lao localities: Vientiane Capital, Savannakhet Province, Champasak Province, and Houaphanh Province. These relationships have expanded steadily over the years, moving beyond political exchange to embrace collaboration in economics, trade, education, healthcare, culture, and people-to-people connections.

According to him, HCMC views these partnerships as a vital channel to strengthen the overall Vietnam–Laos relationship. In recent years, the city has provided technical assistance, shared development experiences, and supported human resource training for Lao localities. Cooperation projects have ranged from vocational training and scholarships for Lao students to cultural festivals and healthcare initiatives that directly benefit communities.

Looking ahead, Mr. Nguyễn Thanh Nghị expressed his hope that HCMC and its Lao counterparts will continue to deepen cooperation, with a focus on programs that deliver tangible results and sustainable benefits. These could include new investment projects, trade promotion initiatives, infrastructure development, tourism collaboration, and the exchange of expertise in science and technology.

Reaffirming HCMC’s solidarity with Laos, Mr. Nguyễn Thanh Nghị pledged the wholehearted support of the Party Committee, authorities, and people of the city for Laos’ ongoing renovation process (Đổi mới). He expressed confidence that under the leadership of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party, Laos will continue to achieve new successes—enhancing economic growth, improving living standards, and raising its profile in the region and beyond.

He also emphasized that Vietnam, and HCMC in particular, stand ready to accompany Laos in this process by sharing development experiences, encouraging business cooperation, and fostering exchanges that strengthen mutual understanding and trust.

For his part, Mr. Phonesy Bounmixay, Consul General of Laos in HCMC, expressed deep gratitude to Mr. Nguyễn Thanh Nghị and the HCMC delegation for joining the Consulate in celebrating this historic occasion. He noted that Vietnam’s unwavering solidarity and support have been crucial for Laos, not only during its struggle for independence and national unification but also in its current efforts toward modernization and development.

Mr. Phonesy emphasized that the contributions of HCMC in particular—ranging from education and healthcare cooperation to economic projects and cultural exchanges—have left a profound impact on Lao localities. These efforts, he said, embody the spirit of “special solidarity” and demonstrate how the Vietnam–Laos friendship is kept alive not only through high-level political commitments but also through practical, grassroots initiatives.

On this anniversary, he expressed his hope that HCMC will continue to expand its cooperation with Lao provinces, especially in areas such as trade, tourism, training, and community development. By doing so, the city will help further nurture the bond between the two Parties, States, and peoples, ensuring that the Vietnam–Laos friendship remains vibrant and relevant in the decades to come.

The meeting between the HCMC delegation and the Lao Consulate General was more than a courtesy visit—it was a reaffirmation of a relationship that has been tested by time, history, and challenges, yet has remained unshakable. It highlighted the enduring truth that Vietnam and Laos are not just neighbors, but brothers, bound by a shared destiny and united in their pursuit of peace, stability, and prosperity.

As both sides continue to celebrate milestones and embark on new paths of development, the Vietnam–Laos relationship—embodied in the cooperation between HCMC and Lao localities—remains a shining example of loyalty, solidarity, and mutual support. It is a living symbol of a friendship that is, as both nations proudly affirm, “forever green and eternally sustainable.”