(KPL/VNA)Lao Ambassador to Belgium Kingphokeo Phommahaxay, accompanied by his spouse and embassy officials, on August 26 visited the Vietnamese Embassy in Brussels to extend congratulations on the occasion of the 80th National Day of Vietnam (September 2, 1945 – 2025).

Vietnamese Ambassador to Belgium and Head of the Vietnamese Mission to the EU Nguyen Van Thao highlighted the enduring friendship between Vietnam and Laos, forged through years of struggle for national independence and continuously reinforced during both countries’ development.

He briefed the Lao delegation on Vietnam’s key socio-economic achievements and international integration, reaffirming the country’s foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, diversification and multilateralisation. Ambassador Thao emphasised that Vietnam remains a reliable partner and responsible international actor, with the Vietnam–Laos friendship as a solid and lasting foundation.

Ambassador Kingphokeo Phommahaxay warmly congratulated the Vietnamese people on the milestone 80-year journey, praising Vietnam’s comprehensive development under the leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam, particularly its proactive engagement in the international arena. He expressed confidence that Vietnam will continue to achieve new successes and contribute to regional and global peace, stability, and sustainable development.

On the same day, a delegation from the Lao Embassy in Austria led by Ambassador Khampheng Douangthongla, visited the Vietnamese Embassy in Vienna to offer congratulations.

The Lao ambassador commended Vietnam’s achievements over the past eight decades in politics, economy, foreign affairs, and national defence and security, highlighting its growing regional and global standing.

Vietnamese Ambassador to Austria Vu Le Thai Hoang reaffirmed that Vietnam values the enduring solidarity and steadfast friendship extended by Laos throughout history, from the independence struggle to current nation-building efforts. He stressed that the Vietnam–Laos friendship is an invaluable asset nurtured by generations of leaders and peoples, continuing to strengthen today and expected to grow even more resilient in the future.

The two ambassadors also discussed initiatives to enhance bilateral cooperation and exchanges between the embassies, within ASEAN frameworks, at multilateral forums, at the United Nations in Vienna, and in relations with their host countries.

KPL