Overseas Vietnamese Gather to Celebrate 80th Anniversary of August Revolution and National Day
	Special Stamp Set Issued to Commemorate 80th anniversary of Vietnam Independence Day

- How do you assess the role and significance of the bonds between the peoples of Vietnam and Laos throughout the revolutionary process and the present stage of development?

Ambassador Khamphao Ernthavanh: First of all, I would like to emphasize that the Vietnam-Laos relations is a priceless asset nurtured by the two Parties, States, and peoples of our countries. It is a special, faithful, pure, and rare relationship in international relations, which has become a rule of development and a vital factor in the revolutionary cause of each nation.

Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic to Vietnam Khamphao Ernthavanh. (Photo: Dinh Hoa)

During the struggle against colonialism and imperialism, the peoples of our two countries stood shoulder to shoulder, sharing both hardship and sacrifice, shedding blood together on the battlefield to win independence and freedom for their nations. This bond was not only an expression of pure proletarian internationalism but also stemmed from fraternal affection, shared trials, and common faith in our ideals. Vietnam has a saying, “Helping a friend is helping oneself,” and it was precisely this unity and comradeship that created tremendous strength, leading our resistance to victory.

Entering the period of national construction and defense, the special Vietnam-Laos relations has continued to flourish and reach new heights. The two countries have always given each other great support both spiritually and materially, cooperating comprehensively in politics, security-defense, economy, culture-society, education, and science-technology. Vietnam and Laos have become reliable pillars for one another, overcoming challenges together to achieve development.

For today’s young generation, the most important task is to inherit and promote the precious legacy left by their predecessors. The youth of the two nations need to gain profound understanding of the special Vietnam-Laos solidarity, while actively studying and innovating to contribute to national development and carry forward the cherished heritage of their forefathers.

It can be said that the Vietnam-Laos relations is a model and a rare symbol in the history of international relations. It is not only the source of strength that brought our peoples victory in the past, but also the driving force that propels us toward the future, for peace, stability, and sustainable development of each country and the whole region.

- How do you evaluate Vietnam’s 80-year development journey and the significance of the 80th National Day?

Ambassador Khamphao Ernthavanh: September 2 is an immensely significant milestone - the day the Socialist Republic of Vietnam was proclaimed. It is an occasion for the Vietnamese people to collectively honor the contributions of revolutionaries, heroes, soldiers, public security officers, officials, and citizens who sacrificed for national liberation; and at the same time, to commemorate President Ho Chi Minh - the great leader of the nation who initiated and guided Vietnam’s revolutionary cause. It also affirms Vietnam’s dynamic development and deep integration with the world.

Over the past 80 years, Vietnam has experienced many challenging historical stages: from the struggle for independence and national defense, to the period of overcoming the consequences of war and rebuilding the country amid countless hardships. Notably, the Doi Moi (Renewal) policy, launched in 1986, marked a historic turning point, enabling Vietnam to make strong strides in all aspects. The economy has maintained stable growth, living standards have improved significantly, poverty has been sharply reduced, infrastructure has been upgraded, and education, healthcare, and science–technology have increasingly advanced.

In terms of foreign relations, Vietnam has expanded from having ties with only a handful of nations to establishing relations with most countries and territories worldwide. Vietnam is now an active and responsible member of many international and regional organizations such as the United Nations, ASEAN, APEC, and ASEM. The country has successfully undertaken many major international responsibilities, demonstrating its capability, prestige, and increasingly influential voice on the global stage.

The 80th National Day is not only a commemoration, but also a moment to affirm the vitality, resilience, and aspiration for advancement of the Vietnamese nation. It is an occasion to honor and express gratitude to past generations and to remind today’s and future generations of their responsibility to preserve and build upon the achievements attained.

With a vision toward the mid-21st century, Vietnam has set the goal of becoming a developed, high-income country with a green, sustainable, and innovative economy. On this path, diplomacy will continue to serve as an important bridge, expanding international cooperation, attracting external resources, and enhancing the nation’s position.

I have always been deeply impressed by the solidarity, aspiration for advancement, and tireless efforts of the Vietnamese people. The achievements that Vietnam has attained over the past 80 years are not only a source of pride for the Vietnamese people but are also welcomed and shared by the international community, including Laos.

- In the context of many global and regional upheavals, in your view, how should people-to-people diplomacy between Vietnam and Laos be carried out to both preserve the precious legacy of the special bilateral relationship and meet the requirements of cooperation in the new era?

Ambassador Khamphao Ernthavanh: In the current context, people-to-people diplomacy between Vietnam and Laos holds even greater importance. It is the most direct, enduring, and closest bridge for the peoples of the two countries to enhance mutual understanding, share experiences, and cooperate together.

Hanoi Adorned with Flags and Flowers to Celebrate the 80th National Day (Photo: Kinh te & Do thi Newspaper)

First, people-to-people diplomacy must continue to serve as an important channel alongside Party and State diplomacy, in order to preserve, spread, and pass on to future generations the tradition of Vietnam-Laos special solidarity. Exchanges, meetings, and partnerships between localities, people-to-people organizations, friendship associations, youth, women, and other groups will help bring this bond deeply into the daily lives of the people.

Second, special attention should be paid to connecting with the younger generation - the future custodians of bilateral relations. It is necessary to strengthen cooperation in education and training, student and youth exchanges, and intellectual interaction, while combining with cultural, sports, and tourism activities. This will nurture close bonds from an early age, helping young generations take responsibility for preserving and promoting the precious heritage of the older generations.

Third, people-to-people diplomacy must be associated with new development requirements. In addition to maintaining the traditional friendship, cooperation should expand into areas that meet the needs of the times, such as digital transformation, green economy, environmental protection, cultural and creative exchanges, and entrepreneurship. In this way, the special Vietnam-Laos relationship will remain both a heritage and a driving force for present and future development.

It can be affirmed that people-to-people diplomacy will continue to serve as a strong bridge, contributing to further deepening and enhancing the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Laos in a practical and effective manner, meeting the long-term interests of the peoples of both countries.

- On this occasion, what message of congratulations would you like to send to the Government and people of Vietnam?

Ambassador Khamphao Ernthavanh: On the momentous occasion of the 80th anniversary of the National Day of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, I would like to extend to the Party, the State, and the entire Vietnamese people my warmest and most sincere congratulations.

Over the past 80 years, the Vietnamese nation has traversed a glorious historical journey, from winning independence and defending the Fatherland to building and developing the country. Vietnam today has risen strongly to become one of the most dynamic economies in the region, with an increasingly important role and position in the international arena. This is a source of pride not only for the Vietnamese people but also for close friends and partners such as ourselves.

I would like to express my profound respect and admiration for the tremendous achievements Vietnam has achieved, as well as for the resilience, wisdom, and solidarity of the Vietnamese people in building and safeguarding their nation. I firmly believe that the Party, the State, and the people of Vietnam will continue steadfastly on the path of renovation and international integration, leading the country toward prosperity, ensuring the happiness of the people, and building a fair, democratic, and civilized society. At the same time, the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between Laos and Vietnam will continue to be consolidated and further deepened, bringing practical benefits to the peoples of both countries.

Once again, I extend to the brotherly people of Vietnam my warmest congratulations. I wish the nation of Vietnam ever-greater prosperity, and its people enduring peace, happiness, and success on the journey ahead.

- Thank you very much, Ambassador!

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