(KPL) The Ministry of Foreign Affairs held a grand ceremony at the National Convention Center on October 10, 2025, to commemorate the 80th Anniversary of Lao Diplomacy (October 12, 1945 – October 12, 2025), marking eight decades of Laos’ diplomatic achievements on the global stage.

The event was graced by the presence of Mr. Thongloun Sisoulith, General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party and President of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic. Also in attendance were members of the Politburo and Secretariat, former senior leaders, Party and State officials, members of the National Assembly, veteran revolutionary cadres, military and police personnel, representatives of Lao embassies and consulates abroad, foreign affairs officers, and invited guests. Altogether, the ceremony drew around 2,000 participants, both in person and via video conference.

During the event, Mr. Thongsavanh Phomvihane, Minister of Foreign Affairs, delivered a comprehensive report highlighting the milestones and contributions of Lao diplomacy over the past eight decades. He recalled that the declaration of Lao independence on October 12, 1945, marked the historic beginning of Laos’ foreign affairs. The achievement, he said, was the result of the revolutionary and political struggle of the multi-ethnic Lao people under the visionary leadership of President Kaysone Phomvihane and President Souphanouvong, who were the founding figures of Lao diplomacy. In recognition of this milestone, the Politburo of the Party Central Committee officially designated October 12 as Lao Diplomacy Day.

Over the past 80 years, under the leadership of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party, the country’s diplomatic service has grown significantly in both scope and quality. Guided by the consistent foreign policy of “Peace, Independence, Friendship, and Enduring Cooperation,” and by applying the principle of “increasing friends and reducing enemies” through preventive and breakthrough diplomacy, Laos has steadily expanded its international partnerships and strengthened its presence on the regional and global stage.

Minister Thongsavanh emphasized that the foreign affairs sector has played an essential role in all stages of the nation’s history — from the struggle for national liberation to the defense and socio-economic development of the Lao PDR. Through diplomacy, Laos has built trust and cooperation with countries near and far, created favorable conditions for trade and development, and elevated its international reputation.

To date, the Lao PDR has established diplomatic relations with 151 countries, maintains ties with 145 political parties from 82 nations, and cooperates with three international and regional political party organizations. The country also has 20 foreign friendship associations and one Lao Committee for Peace and Solidarity with Foreign Countries. Abroad, Laos operates 41 overseas representative offices, including 27 embassies, three permanent missions, 10 consulates general, and one consular office. Additionally, there are 24 Lao honorary consulates in 18 countries and 18 honorary consulates of foreign nations in Laos. The Lao PDR currently trades with more than 60 countries worldwide and maintains 34 international border checkpoints.

In his keynote address, President Thongloun Sisoulith praised the achievements of the Lao diplomatic corps over the past 80 years and highlighted the vital role diplomacy has played in advancing national independence, defense, and development.

He urged the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and all diplomatic personnel to uphold the proud traditions of Lao diplomacy, to remain steadfast in their service to the Party and State, and to continue striving for excellence in representing the nation’s interests abroad. The President reaffirmed the government’s commitment to a foreign policy based on the principles of peaceful coexistence, friendship, respect for independence and sovereignty, non-interference, and mutual benefit.

President Thongloun outlined several strategic priorities for the future, including expanding multi-directional and multilateral relations, advancing economic diplomacy, and strengthening cooperation with strategic partners, socialist allies, neighboring countries, and development partners. He also emphasized the importance of building an independent and self-reliant economic diplomacy strategy to attract investment, development assistance, and international support, thereby contributing to Laos’ goal of graduating from Least Developed Country (LDC) status by 2026.

Concluding his address, the President called on Lao diplomats to embody the qualities of modern, capable, and resilient representatives of the nation. “In a world facing rapid and complex changes,” he said, “a modern diplomat must be strong, intelligent, and steadfast — able to think deeply, act swiftly, and advise the Party and Government with clarity and conviction.”

He also shared an enduring lesson from the revolutionary leaders: “The more difficult the path, the more patient we must be; the more complicated the situation, the more resilient we must be; and the more challenging the times, the wiser we must become.”

As part of the celebration, participants viewed a photo exhibition and a documentary film showcasing the history and achievements of Lao diplomacy. A highlight of the event was the official launch of the commemorative book “80 Years of Diplomacy”, unveiled by President Thongloun alongside past and present leaders of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

In the afternoon, a separate ceremony was held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to inaugurate the Historical Heritage Room, which displays significant artifacts and documents chronicling the evolution of Lao diplomacy. The opening was presided over by Minister Thongsavanh Phomvihane and attended by members of the ministry’s Party Committee, leadership, and department heads.

KPL