Lao Ambassador Khamphao Ernthavanh: Vietnam affirms its position with strong vitality and aspiration to rise up

On the occasion of the 80th anniversary of Vietnam's National Day, in an interview with Thoi Dai magazine, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Lao People's Democratic Republic to Vietnam Khamphao Ernthavanh affirmed that Vietnam's development journey over the past eight decades has demonstrated its strong vitality and aspiration to rise, with an increasingly high position in the international arena.

- How does the Ambassador view the role and significance of the solidarity between the Vietnamese and Lao people throughout the current revolutionary and development process?

Ambassador Khamphao Ernthavanh: First of all, I would like to emphasize that the Vietnam-Laos relationship is a priceless asset that the two Parties, two States and peoples have worked hard to cultivate. This is a special, loyal, pure and rare relationship in international relations, which has become a law of development and a vital factor for the revolutionary cause of each nation.

During the period of fighting against colonialism and imperialism, the people of our two countries stood shoulder to shoulder, shared the joys and sorrows, and shed blood and sacrificed on the battlefield to gain independence and freedom for our nation. That solidarity was not only reflected in the pure spirit of proletarian internationalism but also stemmed from the brotherhood, the sharing of joys and sorrows, and the belief in a common ideal. Vietnam has a saying: “Helping a friend is helping yourself,” and it was this solidarity and comradeship that created great strength, leading the resistance to victory.

Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Lao People's Democratic Republic to Vietnam Khamphao Ernthavanh answers questions from Thoi Dai magazine reporters. (Photo: Dinh Hoa)

Entering the cause of national construction and defense, the special relationship between Vietnam and Laos continues to be promoted and raised to a new height. The two countries always give each other great support both spiritually and materially, and cooperate comprehensively in the fields of politics , security - defense, economy, culture - society, education, science - technology. Vietnam and Laos have become a reliable support, together overcoming difficulties and challenges for development.

For today’s young generation, the most important thing is to inherit and promote the precious heritage left by previous generations. The youth of the two countries need to deeply understand the special tradition of solidarity between Vietnam and Laos, and at the same time actively study and be creative to contribute to the development of the country and continue the precious heritage of their ancestors.

It can be said that the Vietnam - Laos relationship is a model, a rare symbol in the history of international relations. This is not only the strength that helped the two nations win in the past, but also the driving force for us to look towards the future, for peace , stability, and sustainable development of each country and the whole region.

Ambassador Khamphao Ernthavanh presented certificates of merit to Lao students in Vietnam with excellent academic achievements at the Conference to review the management of Lao students in the 2024-2025 school year and deploy the plan for the 2025-2026 school year, May 2025. (Photo: tnue.edu.vn)

- How does the Ambassador evaluate Vietnam's development over the past 80 years and the significance of the 80th National Day event?

Ambassador Khamphao Ernthavanh: September 2 is an extremely important milestone, the day of the proclamation of the establishment of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. This is an occasion for the entire Vietnamese people to remember the contributions of revolutionaries, heroes, soldiers, police, cadres and people who sacrificed their lives in the struggle for national liberation; at the same time, remember President Ho Chi Minh - the great leader of the nation, the founder and leader of the Vietnamese revolutionary cause; thereby affirming the dynamic development and deep integration with the world .

Over the past 80 years, Vietnam has gone through many challenging historical periods: from the resistance war for independence, defending the Fatherland, to the period of overcoming the consequences of war, rebuilding the country amid countless difficulties. In particular, the Doi Moi process since 1986 has opened a historical turning point, bringing Vietnam to a strong transformation in all aspects. The economy has maintained a stable growth rate, people's lives have improved significantly, the poverty rate has decreased sharply, infrastructure has been upgraded, education, health care, science and technology have increasingly developed.

In terms of foreign affairs, Vietnam has expanded its relations with most countries and territories in the world from having relations with only a few countries. Vietnam is currently an active and responsible member of many international and regional organizations such as the United Nations, ASEAN, APEC, ASEM, etc. Vietnam has successfully undertaken many important international responsibilities, demonstrating its mettle, prestige and increasingly important voice in the international arena.

The 80th anniversary of National Day is not only an occasion to celebrate, but also a moment to affirm the strong vitality, strong will and aspiration of the Vietnamese people; an occasion to remember and show gratitude to previous generations and remind present and future generations of their responsibility to preserve and promote the achievements that have been made.

With a vision for the mid-21st century, Vietnam aims to become a developed, high-income country with a green, sustainable and innovative economy. On that path, the diplomatic sector continues to play an important bridging role, expanding international cooperation, attracting external resources, and enhancing the country's position.

From the perspective of a special friend and close partner like Laos, I am always deeply impressed by the spirit of solidarity, the aspiration to rise up and the tireless efforts of the Vietnamese people. The achievements Vietnam has made over the past 80 years are not only the pride of the Vietnamese people, but also welcomed and shared by international friends, including Laos.

Hanoi streets are filled with flags and flowers to celebrate the 80th anniversary of National Day. (Photo: Economic and Urban Newspaper)

- In the context of many fluctuations in the world and the region, according to the Ambassador, how should people-to-people diplomacy between Vietnam and Laos be implemented to both preserve the precious heritage of the special relationship between the two countries and meet the requirements of cooperation in the new period?

Ambassador Khamphao Ernthavanh: In the current context, people-to-people diplomacy between Vietnam and Laos is even more important. This is the most direct, strong and closest bridge for the people of the two countries to enhance understanding, share and accompany each other.

Firstly, people-to-people diplomacy needs to continue to promote its role as an important channel alongside Party and State diplomacy, in order to preserve, spread and pass on to future generations the special tradition of solidarity between Vietnam and Laos. Exchanges, meetings and twinning activities between localities, mass organizations, friendship associations, youth and women's associations, etc. will help this close relationship penetrate deeply into the daily lives of the people.

Second, it is necessary to focus on connecting the young generation - the future owners of the relationship between the two countries. Strengthen cooperation in education and training, exchange of students, youth, and young intellectuals; combine cultural, sports, and tourism activities; thereby nurturing early attachment, helping the young generation take responsibility for preserving and promoting the precious heritage of their ancestors.

Exchange festival between students and youth of Dong Nai province and Lao students studying in Dong Nai in 2024. (Photo: doanthanhnien.vn)

Third, people-to-people diplomacy must be linked to new development requirements: in addition to maintaining the tradition of friendship, it is necessary to expand cooperation in areas that meet the needs of the times such as digital transformation, green economy, environmental protection, creative cultural exchange, startups, etc. so that the special Vietnam-Laos relationship is both a legacy and a driving force for present and future development.

It can be affirmed that people-to-people diplomacy will continue to be a strong bridge, contributing to bringing the great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Laos increasingly deeper, more practical and effective, meeting the long-term interests of the people of the two countries.

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

Ambassador Khamphao Ernthavanh: On the solemn occasion of the 80th anniversary of the National Day of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, I would like to send my warmest and best wishes to the Party, State and all the Vietnamese people.

Over the past 80 years, the Vietnamese people have gone through a heroic historical journey, from gaining independence, defending the Fatherland to building and developing the country. Today, Vietnam has grown strongly, becoming one of the most dynamic economies in the region, with an increasingly high role and position in the international arena. This is the pride not only of the Vietnamese people but also of our close friends and partners.

I would like to express my respect and admiration for the great achievements that Vietnam has made, as well as the resilience, wisdom and solidarity of the Vietnamese people on the path of national construction and defense. I believe that the Party, State and people of Vietnam will continue to firmly step forward on the path of innovation and international integration, bringing prosperity to the country, happiness to the people, and a fair, democratic and civilized society. At the same time, the great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between Laos and Vietnam will be increasingly consolidated, deeply and firmly developed, bringing practical benefits to the people of the two countries.

Once again, I would like to send my warmest congratulations to the Vietnamese people. I wish Vietnam to be increasingly prosperous and that its people will always enjoy peace, happiness and success on the road ahead.

- Thank you very much Ambassador!

Source: https://thoidai.com.vn/dai-su-lao-khamphao-ernthavanh-viet-nam-khang-dinh-vi-the-bang-suc-song-manh-liet-va-khat-vong-vuon-len-215810.html