Vientiane (VNA) – Pathet Lao Newspaper run by theLao New Agency (KPL) on April 25 published an article on the specialLaos-Vietnam relationship is developed throughout the history of nationalconstruction and defence, highlighting the long-standing solidarity and sound traditionalfriendship between the two neighbouring countries over the past more than ninedecades.

With over 2,000km of the shared border, Vietnam and Laos haveshown strong mutual support, especially during hard time, the article noted,stressing that the two nations have maintained sound neighbourliness and closeties through all historical periods.

It said that the founding of the Communist Party ofIndochina - the predecessor of the Communist Party of Vietnam - opened thefirst chapter of the glorious history of the special relationship between Laosand Vietnam, paving the way for the special solidarity between the twocountries.

The ties, founded by President Ho Chi Minh, President KaysonePhomvihane and President Souphanouvong, have become aninvaluable treasure of both nations and the common development rule of the twocountries during their path of developing towards a prosperous country withrich and happy people.

During the struggles against invaders, Vietnamese and Laopeoples coordinated closely with each other for the same purpose of regainingnational independence and freedom, the article said.

Right after gaining power, the Vietnamese and Laogovernments signed a treaty on Laos-Vietnam mutual support and another on theVietnam-Laos Alliance, laying the first legal foundation for their cooperationto fight their common enemy. President Ho Chi Minh once said: “We consider thehappiness and prosperity of Laos as our own,” while the spirit of “helping ourfriend is helping ourselves” has been maintained throughout the history of bothcountries.

During the wars, a great deal of Vietnamese voluntarysoldiers joined the Pathet Lao armed forces, shedding their blood for thevictory of the revolution in both countries with the signing of the GenevaAgreement in 1954 on the restoration of peace in Indochina.

The article also reviewed the close coordination and the growth of solidaritybetween Laos and Vietnam since 1954, highlighting the establishment of the bilateraldiplomatic relations on September 5, 1962.

It said that since 1986 when the two countries startednational reform cause, their special relationship has been further lifted up,focusing on optimising their advantages and strength and giving each otherhighest priority.

The 21st century has witnessed the comprehensive expansion ofbilateral ties in both depth and width. Achievements of bilateral cooperationin politics, external relations, defence-security, economy, culture, science,technology, and collaboration among localities have contributed to stronglypromoting the national construction, development as well as regional andinternational integration in each country, the article underlined.

It said that this year, as Laos and Vietnam are celebrating the 60th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic relations, 45 years of the bilateral Treatyof Amity and Cooperation, and the Laos-Vietnam, Vietnam-Laos Friendship andSolidarity Year, is a good chance for the two sides to reinforce and furtherlift up their great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation,thus making positive contributions to the national construction and defence ineach country as well as to peace, stability, cooperation and development in theregion and the world over./.