Vietnamese NA pledges to stand side by side with Lao counterpart

The Vietnamese National Assembly (NA) will enhance information sharing and coordination with, and support for its Lao counterpart at regional and international forums, and is ready to share experience and expertise in areas such as legal framework development, oversight of budget use and key bilateral projects.

Vietnamese NA Chairman Tran Thanh Man made the statement on September 2 morning while meeting with Party General Secretary and President of Laos Thongloun Sisoulith, who was in Vietnam to attend the celebration of the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution (August 19, 1945–2025) and National Day (September 2, 1945–2025).

The top Vietnamese legislator stressed that the Lao delegation’s presence was vivid evidence of the special Vietnam–Laos solidarity. Recalling the nation’s proud revolutionary history, NA Chairman Man affirmed that every milestone and victory of the Vietnamese people has been closely linked to the steadfast support of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party (LPRP) and the Lao people.

He congratulated Laos on its great and comprehensive achievements in implementing the Resolution of the 11th Party Congress, expressing his belief that under the leadership of the LPRP led by Sisoulith, Laos will successfully organize the 12th National Party Congress in early 2026 and fulfill its national development strategies. He affirmed that Vietnam consistently gives top priority to its unique and special solidarity with Laos.

Sisoulith expressed admiration and congratulated Vietnam on its great, important and comprehensive achievements over the past 80 years, affirming that Vietnam’s success serves as a source of encouragement, inspiration, and valuable lesson for Laos in its national construction and development.

Praising the cooperation between the two countries’ legislative bodies, the top Lao leader affirmed that parliamentary ties are an important factor contributing to the overall success of bilateral relations. He expressed his belief that the two sides will continue working closely together to oversee, promote, and enhance the quality and effectiveness of their cooperation agreements, according to VNA.

Vietnamese NA Chairman Tran Thanh Man (R) meets with Party General Secretary and President of Laos Thongloun Sisoulith in Hanoi on September 2. (Photo: VNA)

He proposed that the two sides continue to exchange legislative experience and support each other at regional and international forums. The guest thanked the Vietnamese NA for its support and knowledge sharing, which has helped strengthen the Lao NA’s role as a legislative body representing the people’s rights and interests.

NA Chairman Man welcomed the remarkable progress in the special Vietnam–Laos relationship, reflected via frequent high-level exchanges and the effective operation of bilateral cooperation mechanisms.

He said that the two parliaments are jointly compiling a book titled “50 years of relations between the National Assembly of Vietnam and the National Assembly of Laos – comprehensive cooperation for development,” reviewing their cooperation, achievements, and lessons learned to strengthen coordination in the new period, and deepen public understanding of the special ties between the two legislatures and nations.

He suggested the two countries continue maintaining all-level delegation exchanges, make full use of cooperation mechanisms, remove obstacles, and explore new areas of cooperation to open a new phase of practical and effective development.

Developing ties with China is a strategic, natural choice: PM

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh met with Zhao Leji, member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress (NPC) of China, in Hanoi on September 2, during which he affirmed that developing relations with China is an objective necessity, a strategic and natural choice, and a top priority in Vietnam’s foreign policy.

PM Chinh thanked Chairman Zhao for leading a high-ranking Chinese delegation to attend Vietnam’s 80th National Day celebration and for sending a military contingent to join the parade held on this occasion, which, he said, demonstrates the special sentiments and the great importance that the Chinese Party and State attach to the relations with Vietnam as well as to its revolutionary cause.

Vietnam always treasures the Chinese Party, State, and people's valuable support and assistance during its past struggle for national liberation as well as in its present cause of building socialism, he said.

Congratulating Vietnam on the successful organization of the celebration of the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution (August 19) and National Day (September 2), Chairman Zhao said he was deeply impressed by the speech delivered by Party General Secretary To Lam at the event.

He stressed that China always regards relations with Vietnam as a priority in its neighbourhood diplomacy. He congratulated Vietnam on its remarkable development achievements and voiced support for the country in successfully implementing the Resolution of the 13th National Party Congress and preparing for the upcoming congress.

Both sides agreed that the countries' relations have made outstanding progress over the recent past, with political trust strengthened, close high-level strategic exchanges maintained, cooperation mechanisms increasingly comprehensive, practical collaboration growing robustly, and the foundation of friendship further consolidated. Among these, cooperation between the Vietnamese National Assembly (NA) and the Chinese NPC has become an important pillar, according to VNA.

The two leaders visit a photo exhibition on Vietnam-China relations held by the Vietnam News Agency. (Photo: VNA)

Emphasizing the important role of the two legislative bodies, PM Chinh expressed his hope that Chairman Zhao and the NPC will work closely with the Vietnamese NA in building an open legal and policy framework to facilitate substantive cooperation, while enhancing supervision and urging ministries, sectors, and localities to effectively implement cooperation agreements, thereby bringing tangible benefits to the two peoples.

Accordingly, he proposed the two sides maintain regular exchanges and improve the efficiency of the intergovernmental working groups; promote collaboration in key sectors such as foreign affairs, defence, and public security; and strengthen multilateral coordination.

He expressed his hope that the NPC will support and encourage relevant agencies to continue giving the top priority to railway cooperation, provide preferential loans, support human resources training, and transfer technology to Vietnam, striving to commence construction of the Lao Cai – Hanoi – Hai Phong railway line in 2025.

The host leader also urged China to expand the import of Vietnamese goods, support the increase of electricity exports to Vietnam, accelerate the construction of smart border gates and soon identify a pilot model for building a cross-border economic cooperation zone, promote high-quality investment and monetary collaboration, and make efforts to turn cooperation in science, technology, and education into a new highlight of bilateral ties.

The top Chinese legislator affirmed that China is ready to work with Vietnam to advance substantive cooperation, and further open its market to high-quality Vietnamese goods.

He called on both sides to strengthen strategic connectivity, particularly in infrastructure and transportation, with thorough preparations for the construction of railway lines linking the two countries. He also agreed that China will join hands with Vietnam to promptly hold the first meeting of the Joint Committee on Bilateral Railway Cooperation, and that it will encourage Chinese enterprises to expand high-quality investment in Vietnam.

The two sides agreed to maintain the fruitful implementation of high-level common perceptions, better manage and solve differences, enhance mutual understanding, and jointly maintain a peaceful and stable environment conducive to the development of both countries.

Vietnam is emerging economic powerhouse: UNDP Resident Representative

In a recent interview with the Vietnam Government Portal, Khalidi expressed admiration for the country's development journey, particularly since the Doi Moi reforms.

Millions of people have been lifted out of poverty, hunger has been eliminated, and the economy has maintained consistent growth rates of over 6 percent. Vietnam's transition toward an export-oriented economy, she emphasized, has not only fueled economic development but also expanded its horizons.

She highlighted that the Human Development Index has risen by 50 percent since the Doi Moi, clear evidence of a development approach that places people at the center. Looking ahead, she noted that Vietnam is pursuing equally ambitious reforms aimed at green, resilient, and inclusive growth, with UNDP committed to accompanying the country on this path.

Regarding Vietnam's role and position in the world, Khalidi stressed that the country is increasingly asserting itself in multilateral forums, both regionally and globally.

She pointed to Vietnam's strong commitment to multilateralism, as demonstrated through active participation in the UN system, the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals, and engagement on various committees, including the Human Rights Council.

Vietnam has also ratified key international agreements such as the Paris Agreement and contributed troops, including female peacekeepers, to some of the most challenging UN missions. Within ASEAN, she added, Vietnam continues to play a leading role in affirming the centrality of multilateralism in the region, reported VGP.

United Nations Development Program (UNDP) Resident Representative in Vietnam Ramla Khalidi. Photo: VGP

Looking ahead, Khalidi explained that UNDP's support for Vietnam will be guided by the country's own development vision and will focus on three key areas, including:

First, green and resilient development, which includes assistance for the energy transition, climate change adaptation, biodiversity conservation, and promotion of the circular economy.

Second, support for the private sector, particularly small and medium enterprises, to better integrate into global markets and supply chains.

Third, governance, where UNDP will continue to strengthen local governance, connect citizen aspirations with government services, expand access to justice, and support Vietnam's human rights ambitions as well as greater social inclusion—especially for persons with disabilities, the LGBT community, and women in political life.

In her message to the Vietnamese people on the 80th National Day, Khalidi extended warm congratulations, noting that the founding of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam in 1945 coincided with the creation of the United Nations. Beyond sharing the same birthday, she said, the UN and Vietnam also share core values: dignity, solidarity, equality, and human rights.

She wished the people of Vietnam good health, happiness, and continued success, expressing her joy at joining them in this historic celebration.

"I feel almost Vietnamese myself," she said, describing the pride she feels in witnessing the patriotism that fills the streets, as citizens dress in vibrant colors and celebrate their nation's incredible journey. "I truly feel privileged and honored to serve in a country like Vietnam".

Foreign travelers impressed by Vietnam’s National Day celebrations

Vietnam’s grand military parade of around 40,000 participants in Hanoi on September 2, celebrating the country’s 80th National Day, left a lasting impression on international visitors, highlighting the people’s unity and national pride.

Along the pedestrian streets around Hoan Kiem Lake, after soaking in the festive atmosphere, a group of young tourists from London, England, carrying Vietnam’s red flag with a golden star, mingled happily with locals, cited VOV.

A group of tourists from London, English, are amazed by the jubilant atmosphere of Vietnam's National Day.

“We just returned to Hanoi after visiting Hoang Su Phi, and it was such a surprise to witness your National Day parade,” one of them said. “Back home, we’ve never seen an Independence Day celebrated with such energy and excitement. We couldn’t resist joining the crowds on the streets to watch the parade with everyone.”

Nearby, Joseph and his father Sean from the United States, who have visited Vietnam multiple times, were equally delighted to join the throngs.

“We left our hotel in the Old Quarter at 3 a.m. to watch the parade. It’s incredible to experience your National Day like this. The people of Hanoi are so enthusiastic—I’ve never seen such a lively Independence Day anywhere else,” remarked Joseph.

Carlos and Elena from Spain, with faces painted in red and yellow, relaxed by Hoan Kiem Lake after immersing themselves in the celebrations.

“Hanoi is so vibrant with all the red and yellow flags,” Elena remarked, while Carlos added, “This is our first visit to Vietnam, and after this morning, we’ll stay a couple more days in Hanoi before heading to Sapa to fully enjoy this incredible atmosphere. Back home, we’ve never seen a National Day like this.”

Stefano, a tourist from Italy, was searching for a café to rest after getting separated from a group of Vietnamese friends amid the dense crowds.

“We were watching the parade near our hotel in Cua Nam, but it was so crowded we lost each other,” he said. “Fortunately, we met another friendly group who guided us to a better spot near the hotel. Now we need a coffee break, but more importantly, we want to hold onto these unforgettable memories.”

Throughout the day, the sight of international visitors waving flags, smiling with locals, and joining in the celebrations captured the true spirit of Vietnam’s National Day. It was more than a historical commemoration—it was a lively cultural experience, a showcase of national pride, and a moment of connection between Vietnam and the world.

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