Laos confers highest national honor on Vietnam’s Party chief

The presentation ceremony was held in Vientiane during General Secretary Lam’s state visit to Laos from December 1 to 2, made at the invitation of General Secretary Sisoulith.

According to the Vietnam News Agency, the award was bestowed in recognition of Lam’s significant contributions to nurturing the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Laos.

Speaking at the ceremony, Lam said he was deeply honored and moved to receive the National Gold Order, the most noble distinction of the Party, state, and people of Laos.

He stressed that the award was not only a great personal honor but also a vivid testament to the enduring relationship between Vietnam and Laos, a bond that has become a timeless symbol of comradeship and brotherhood.

Lam expressed profound gratitude and paid tribute to Vietnamese President Ho Chi Minh and Laotian Presidents Kaysone Phomvihane and Souphanouvong, who directly nurtured, built, and laid a solid foundation for bilateral ties.

He also conveyed his deep appreciation to the Party, state, and people of Laos for standing side by side with Vietnam throughout the struggle for national independence and in the ongoing process of safeguarding, building, and developing the country.

“This spirit of unity has become a powerful force that led to historic victories and secured peace and independence for both nations, and it will continue to guide the two countries and peoples to walk together in shared purpose and destiny, as reflected in the saying, ‘Unity is strength,’” Lam stated.

He affirmed that, together with other leaders of the Vietnamese Party and state, he would continue to make every effort to work closely with Laotian leaders to further consolidate and develop the faithful and enduring Vietnam–Laos relationship, in line with the sacrifices and contributions of earlier generations and the aspirations of the two peoples.

Earlier the same day, following their talks, the two leaders witnessed the exchange of several cooperation documents in multiple fields between ministries and agencies of both countries, including the Ministries of National Defense, Industry and Trade, and Public Security, as well as between localities on both sides.