(KPL) - Sabaidee,
At the outset, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the Lao National Television, Lao National Radio and media outlets for the opportunity to deliver this speech on the occasion of the 76th National Day of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam (September 2, 1945 –2021).
I would also like to take this opportunity to extend my warmest greetings and best wishes to Leaders of the Party and State as well as people of the Lao P.D.R.
Comrades and friends,
76 years ago, in the Autumn of 1945, our beloved President Ho Chi Minh read the Declaration of Independence, proclaiming the birth of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam at the historic Ba Dinh Square. Since then, under the leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam, the Vietnamese people, bearing in mind the truth "Nothing is more precious than independence and freedom", have stood united and overcome countless hardships to defend the nation, safeguard our sovereignty and territorial integrity, transform Vietnam into a “stronger and more prosperous country”, and actively contribute to the maintenance of peace, stability, cooperation and development in the region and the world over.
The 76th National Day celebration is also a chance for Vietnam to reflect on our 35-year journey of Doi Moi. Despite countless difficulties and challenges, we have recorded remarkable achievements worthy of pride. After gaining independence, from a small and impoverished former colony, Vietnam has become a middle-income developing country with a population of nearly 100 million. Our GDP growth rate averages about 7% annually and continues to increase. National defense and security are safeguarded, and socio-political stability is maintained. Important achievements have been made in cultural, educational and healthcare sectors, while social and economic infrastructures have been further expanded. The socialist-oriented market economy has shown robust development with the state economy playing a leading role, along with the extensive reforms and growing participation of the private sector and foreign investment. The stable business environment has greatly attracted more resources from the society and foreign investment. The living standards of the people are constantly improved materially and spiritually. The great national unity is consolidated, socialist democracy continues to gain strength, and Vietnam’s standing and status are increasingly enhanced in the regional and international arena.
Despite recent complicated and unprecedented developments, especially the Covid-19 pandemic with its profound and comprehensive impacts on all aspects of our socio-economic life, the Party, State and People of Vietnam have overcome challenges with strong resolve and creativity by making the most of opportunities to adapt ourselves accordingly. We have made unified and comprehensive efforts towards the dual goals of fighting the pandemic and sustaining economic development, and achieved a number of important results. In 2020, our GDP grew by 2.91%, making Vietnam the fourth largest economy in ASEAN. Poverty was reduced to below 3%, from 58% in 1993. Total import-export turnover with more than 200 countries and territories hit over USD 540 billion, of which export turnover exceeded USD 280 billion and trade surplus amounted to USD 19.1 billion. Vietnam continues to be an attractive destination for foreign investors, with nearly USD 360 billion in registered FDI for the period of 2005-2018 and nearly USD 29 billion for the year 2020 alone.
Entering the year 2021, amid the arduous battle against Covid-19 across the country, under the leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam, the Vietnamese people still showcases proactiveness, flexibility and creativity in pursuing national development and adapting to the new context. Vietnam successfully organized the 13th National Party Congress, the Elections for deputies of the 15th National Assembly and members to People’s Councils at all levels, and the appointment of key leadership positions. In the first half of 2021, GDP increased by 5.64%, and total import and export turnover reached USD 316.73 billion, an increase of 32.2%. There were 67.1 thousand new enterprises (up by 8.1%) with an increase of 34.3% in registered capital. Vietnam also recorded USD 15.27 billion of foreign investment.
In the pursuit of the foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, multilateralization, diversification, and proactive international integration, Vietnam has actively and responsibly contributed to the building and shaping of multilateral institutions as well as to regional and international issues. From a country under siege and embargo, today, Vietnam enjoys relations with more than 500 international organizations, diplomatic ties with 189/193 UN member states and Strategic and Comprehensive Partnerships with 30 countries (being the only Southeast Asian country to maintain such partnership with all five permanent members of the UN Security Council). Vietnam also engages in extensive and intensive economic integration through its active participation in economic institutions and the signing of various Free Trade Agreements, including regional next-generation ones (CPTPP, RCEP, EVFTA, EVIPA).
The international community's trust in and high recognition of Vietnam's contributions is a vivid and persuasive testament to Vietnam's success. Especially in 2020, Vietnam successfully took on three responsibilities simultaneously as a 2020-2021 non-permanent member of the UN Security Council, the 2020 ASEAN Chair and the 2020 AIPA President. Since June 2014, Vietnam has officially sent its forces to participate in the UN peacekeeping operations. As of August 2020, Vietnam has deployed 50 personnel to the UN peacekeeping missions in the Central African Republic and South Sudan and two level-2 field hospitals in the South Sudan mission. Vietnam is now actively preparing for the deployment of engineers at the request of the UN.
Building on the spirit of international solidarity and cooperation, Vietnam has provided medical supplies and financial support to 51 countries and international organizations in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. At the same time, Vietnam has actively mobilized financial assistance and medical equipment from various countries and international organizations to tackle the domestic outbreak. For the first time, at Vietnam’s initiative, the UN General Assembly adopted the Resolution proclaiming December 27 as the International Day of Epidemic Preparedness, which was co-sponsored by a record high number of 112 countries.
Lao comrades and friends,
Today, as we join you all to look back on the glorious history of Vietnam over the past 76 years, we are deeply proud of and elated with past accomplishments, and enjoy great excitement and confidence in the future of Vietnam. With the aspiration to build an independent, strong and prosperous Vietnam, our 13th National Party Congress has determined three major goals, namely to become a developing country with a modern-oriented industry, graduating from the lower middle income group by 2025 (on the 50th anniversary of national reunification); to become a developing country with a modern industry and a upper middle income by 2030 (on the centenary of the Communist Party of Vietnam); and to become a high-income developed country by 2045 (on the centenary of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam - now Socialist Republic of Vietnam).
On this momentous occasion, let us pay tribute to the contributions of President Ho Chi Minh, President Kaysone Phomvihane and President Souphanouvong, who laid the strong foundation for the special solidarity between Vietnam and Laos. Through the ups and downs of history, the Vietnam-Laos ties have been tempered and tested, and have been thriving. Our two countries’ relationship has become a "great friendship", one so exemplary and faithful that is rarely seen around the world.
Our two nations are closely linked in geography, as we together lean against the majestic Truong Son Mountain and drink the water of the Mekong River, but also in various milestones of both countries. The Communist Party of Vietnam and the Lao People's Revolutionary Party, formerly known as the Indochinese Communist Party, shared the same historical mission, leading their people to fight side by side and overcome all difficulties and challenges. Our two peoples have made great sacrifices to reclaim independence, thus becoming a paragon for the national liberation movements around the world. The first important international guest of the Government of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam 76 years ago arrived on 04 September 1945, just two days after Vietnam’s proclamation of its independence. He was none other than Prince Souphanouvong. In 1975, following Vietnam’s national reunification under the leadership of its Communist Party, the Lao People's Democratic Republic also achieved independence under the leadership of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party. The image of “splitting all in half, be it a rice grain or a vegetable stalk” can be considered a long-standing symbol of the pure and selfless friendship and the mutual material and spiritual assistance between our two countries. The deep and time-tested affection is rooted in the heart of our two peoples, similar to that among siblings in a family. This constitutes an invaluable asset for both nations.
Comrades and friends,
Currently, the world and the region are facing rapid, complex and unpredictable changes. In particular, the new waves of COVID-19 infections have caused devastating consequences around the world, including Laos and Vietnam. Even in this trying time, the Secretary General, President of Laos and the high-level delegation of the Party and State of Laos paid a visit Vietnam in June, and President Nguyen Xuan Phuc and the high-level delegation of the Party and State of Vietnam paid a visit to Laos in August. These are visits of historical significance, showcasing the great friendship and special solidarity between our two peoples. Despite tremendous hardships, we still stand together as brothers and comrades, offering each other great material and spiritual encouragement, enhancing cooperation and reinforcing the confidence in the future of our two nations. In the ongoing fight against “the COVID-19 enemy", we are standing shoulder-to-shoulder to overcome difficulties. Whenever Vietnam is in need, Laos will be the first comrade to lend its assistance, and whenever Laos is facing challenges, Vietnam will be the first brother to lend a helping hand. During the bilateral talks on the occasion of his visit to Laos in August, President Nguyen Xuan Phuc and comrade Secretary General, President Thongloun Sisoulith once again reaffirmed the commitment to further strengthening the great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Laos. They considered this a significant strategic matter, playing a crucial role in safeguarding national independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity and the formulation of socialism in each country. Therefore, the special solidarity between our two nations will remain unwavering against all odds.
In the time to come, through thick and thin, our two Parties and peoples will always stand shoulder-to-shoulder to support each other, and together strive to best implement the agreements between our Leaders. Vietnam will increase the access of Laos’ goods and agricultural products to our market of 100 million people, and expand the network of transport systems via many cross-border roads and railways along the East-West axis. Goods from Laos can be exported to Vietnam or transit through any Vietnamese ports to reach regional and international markets, thus helping Laos become a logistics hub in the region. As 2022 will be the "Year of Solidarity and Friendship between Vietnam and Laos", our two countries will actively organize various meaningful activities to celebrate the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations (05 September 1962) and the 45th anniversary of the signing of the Vietnam-Laos Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation (18 July 1977). Such activities will further reinforce trust and bolster cooperation between people from all social strata, especially the youth of the two countries, thereby elevating the special relationship between Laos and Vietnam to new heights and enhancing sustainability across the board.
Comrades and friends,
Once again, on behalf of the Party, State and people of Vietnam, I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Party, State and people of Laos for your warm sentiments and invaluable assistance accorded to Vietnam. I also wish to thank the Party, State and people of Laos for supporting and creating favorable conditions for Vietnamese enterprises and communities to do business and enjoy a stable life in Laos.
I firmly believe that the special solidarity between Laos and Vietnam will be “stronger than any mountains and rivers” and “more fragrant than any flowers” amid the upheavals of the time.
May Laos enjoy enduring peace, independence, democracy, unity and prosperity.
May the close, faithful and pure fraternal camaraderie and relationship between the two peoples of Laos and Vietnam endure.
Thank you very much, comrades and friends.
Khop chay lai lai./.
KPL
