President Ho Chi Minh's Mousoleum (Photo: VNA)

General Secretary of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party (LPRP) Central Committee and President Bounnhang Vorachith, Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith and Chairwoman of the National Assembly of Laos Pany Yathotou sent a message of congratulations to General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee and President Nguyen Phu Trong, PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc and Chairwoman of the National Assembly Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan.

In the message, the Lao leaders warmly congratulated Vietnam on its great achievements in the process of national construction and protection over the past 75 years, saying these successes are a source of encouragement to Laos.

They expressed their profound gratitude to the fraternal Vietnamese Party, State and people for their huge, valuable and timely assistance to the revolutionary cause of the Lao people.

The Lao leaders affirmed that despite changes in the world and regional situation, the great relationship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between Laos and Vietnam will be always treasured and preserved and perpetually exist together with the two nations, becoming a invaluable common asset, a rule of survival and development and a decisive factor of the revolution in each country.

General Secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and President Xi Jinping extended a congratulatory message to General Secretary of the CPV Central Committee and President Nguyen Phu Trong, while Premier Li Keqiang and Chairman of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee Li Zhanshu sent messages of congratulations to PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc and NA Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan, respectively.

The Chinese leaders spoke highly of Vietnam’s recent achievements and expressed their belief that under the leadership of the CPV, the Vietnamese people will fulfill the targets set by the 12th National Party Congress, towards the 13th National Party Congress.

They affirmed that China attaches great importance to the development of bilateral relations and stays ready to join hands with Vietnam to promote the China-Vietnam comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership in a stable, healthy and sustainable manner.

Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni and the Central Committee of the Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) sent letters of congratulations to General Secretary of the CPV Central Committee and President Nguyen Phu Trong, and the CPV Central Committee.

The Cambodian King and CPP highly evaluated the development of the traditional solidarity, friendship and cooperation between the two countries and affirmed the determination to consolidate and strengthen the bilateral relationship with the motto “good neighbourliness, traditional friendship, comprehensive cooperation and long-term sustainability.”

First Secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba Central Committee Raul Castro Ruz sent a congratulatory message to General Secretary of the CPV Central Committee and President Nguyen Phu Trong, while President Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez extended congratulatory messages to General Secretary of the CPV Central Committee and President Nguyen Phu Trong and PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc, and PM Manuel Marrero Cruz sent a message of congratulations to PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc.

The Cuban leaders said they are proud of the historical solidarity which was nurtured and enhanced during the common struggle for national independence, freedom and development, and expressed their wish to further promote the traditional friendship and comprehensive cooperation between the two nations.

Russian President Vladimir Putin extended a congratulatory message to General Secretary of the CPV Central Committee and President Nguyen Phu Trong. PM Mikhail Mishustin sent a message of congratulations to his Vietnamese counterpart Nguyen Xuan Phuc while Chairwoman of the Federation Council Valentina Matviyenko and Chairman of the State Duma Vyacheslav Volodin extended congratulations to NA Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan.

The Russian leaders congratulated Vietnam on its achievements in socio-economic development and its high role and prestige in the international community. They believed that the two countries will join hands to further deepen the Russia-Vietnam comprehensive strategic partnership, thus meeting their interests and for prosperous development, stability and security in the Asia-Pacific region.

Malaysian King Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah sent a letter of congratulations to General Secretary of the CPV Central Committee and President Nguyen Phu Trong, while PM Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin sent a letter of congratulations to his Vietnamese counterpart Nguyen Xuan Phuc.

The Malaysian leaders said they are delighted at the positive development of the bilateral strategic partnership and affirmed that Vietnam has become one of the closest economic and strategic partners of Malaysia. They express their wish to closely coordinate with Vietnam in its capacity as Chair of ASEAN 2020 to promote peace, security and prosperity in the region.

King of Thailand Maha Vajiralongorn sent a congratulatory message to General Secretary of the CPV Central Committee and President Nguyen Phu Trong, and PM Prayut Chan-o-cha cabled a message of congratulations to PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc.

The Thai leaders promised to join hands with Vietnam to expand cooperation in all spheres, including the settlement of adverse impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In a letter of congratulations addressed to PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc, Singaporean PM Lee Hsien Loong reiterated his commitment to support Vietnam successfully takes over the ASEAN Chairmanship 2020. He spoke highly of Vietnam’s efforts in strengthening ASEAN’s centrality and cohesion, and promoting cooperation within the bloc and with outside partners to cope with and mitigate the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Lee said he was pleased with the dynamic development of the Singapore-Vietnam strategic partnership over the recent past and expressed his wish to expand and further deepen the bilateral multifaceted cooperation.

President of Myanmar U Win Myint sent a letter of congratulations to General Secretary of the CPV Central Committee and President Nguyen Phu Trong. State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi sent a congratulatory letter to PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc, while Vice Presidents U Myint Swe and Henry Van Thio extended congratulations to Vice President Dang Thi Ngoc Thinh.

The Myanmar leaders hoped that the two nations will enhance trade and investment ties and people-to-people exchange, and both Myanmar and Vietnam will overcome the medical and socio-economic challenges caused by COVID-19.

They believed that the bilateral comprehensive cooperative partnership will see breakthrough development steps in the coming years.

On this occasion, Lao Foreign Minister Saleumxay Kommasith; Chinese State Councillor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who is Chairman of the Steering Committee for China-Vietnam Bilateral Cooperation; Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla; Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov; Malaysian Foreign Minister Hishamuddin Hussein; Thai Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai; and Myanmar Minister for International Cooperation U Kyaw Tin sent messages and letters of congratulations to Deputy PM and Minister of Foreign Affairs Pham Binh Minh.

Chairman of the LPRP Central Committee’s Commission for External Relations Sunthon Saynhachac also cabled a congratulatory message to Chairman of the CPV Central Committee’s Commission for External Relations Hoang Binh Quan.

Leaders of Cambodia, India, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), Japan, the Republic of Korea (RoK), the US, France, Italy, Canada and Australia have extended their congratulations to the Vietnamese Party and State leaders on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the country’s National Day (September 2, 1945-2020).

Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen cabled a letter of congratulations to his Vietnamese counterpart Nguyen Xuan Phuc, while President of the Cambodian Senate Samdech Say Chhum and Cambodian National Assembly President Samdech Heng Samrin sent their congratulations to Vietnamese National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan.

In their letters, the Cambodian leaders highly valued the fruitful development of solidarity, friendship and traditional cooperation between the two Governments and between the Cambodian Senate and National Assembly and the Vietnamese NA. They expressed their belief that the Vietnam – Cambodia comprehensive cooperation will become more and more sustainable and enduring forever, for the sake of the two countries’ people.

Indian President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended their congratulations to Party General Secretary and President Nguyen Phu Trong, and Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc, respectively.

The Indian leaders congratulated Vietnam on its successful assumption of ASEAN Chairmanship and non-permanent member of the UN Security Council, affirming that Vietnam is an important member of the international and regional communities.

They said that since being upgraded to a comprehensive strategic partnership, the traditional relationship between India and Vietnam has been constantly developing, contributing to further consolidating the mutual trust and understanding.

In their congratulatory messages to Party General Secretary and President Nguyen Phu Trong and Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc, Chairman of the Workers’ Party and the State Affairs Commission of the DPRK Kim Jong-un and Premier Kim Tok-hun expressed their belief that the traditional friendship between the Parties, Governments and people of the two countries will be further promoted in the time to come, in line with the spirit of agreements reached by the two sides’ leaders during DPRK Chairman Kim Jong-un’s official friendly visit to Vietnam in March last year.

Meanwhile, Japanese Emperor Naruhito sent his letter of congratulations to Party General Secretary and President Nguyen Phu Trong.

In his congratulations to Party General Secretary and President Nguyen Phu Trong, RoK President Moon Jae-in emphasised that his country always attaches great importance to and wishes to further develop the friendship and cooperation with Vietnam in the coming time.

US President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo sent their congratulations to Party General Secretary and President Nguyen Phu Trong and the Vietnamese people.

The US leaders congratulated Vietnam on its recent achievements, especially the successes and contributions of the Southeast Asian nation in the role as ASEAN Chair.

They expressed delight at the development in the US-Vietnam relationship, saying that the US wishes to continue working closely with Vietnam at the East Asia Summit (EAS) in November. They said they believe that the comprehensive partnership between the two nations will develop strongly, contributing to promoting peace and prosperity in the region.

In his congratulatory message to Party General Secretary and President Nguyen Phu Trong, French President Emmanuel Macron thanked Vietnam for providing medical supplies for his country amid the COVID-19 outbreak. He also affirmed that it is necessary to further deepen the bilateral strategic partnership, and hoped the two countries will continue their cooperation at the UNSC and ASEAN.

Italian President Sergio Mattarella cabled a congratulatory message to Party General Secretary and President Nguyen Phu Trong, saying that the strategic partnership between the two countries is flourishing, evidenced by Vietnam’s precious support for Italy in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

He expressed his belief that the bilateral relations will further develop, both bilaterally and multilaterally.

Meanwhile, Canadian Governor-General Julie Payette congratulated Vietnam on its recent achievements, especially in the role as ASEAN Chair 2020.

She spoke highly of cooperation between the two countries at regional and international forums to promote rules-based order, gender equality, and respond to the COVID-19 epidemic and climate change, affirming that Canada wishes to continue maintaining cooperation with Vietnam in bilateral, regional and international issues in the coming time.

Australian Governor-General David Hurley praised Vietnam for its efforts to successfully promote the agenda of the ASEAN Year 2020, for the interest of the whole region despite challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

He stressed that the strategic partnership between Australia and Vietnam is a solid basis for the two countries to continue expanding collaboration in the current challenging context. He affirmed that his country will work closely with Vietnam to accelerate post-pandemic recovery as well as deepen the bilateral trade and investment ties.

On this occasion, Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Prak Sokhonn, DPRK Foreign Minister Ri Son-gwon, Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, and RoK Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha extended their congratulatory letters and messages to Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh.

Activities held in Laos & Brunei to mark National Day

More than 130 photos on the traditional friendship, special solidarity, and close, comprehensive cooperation between the Vietnamese and Lao Parties, States, and people are on display at the Lao National Cultural Hall in Vientiane.

Jointly held by the Vietnamese Embassy in Laos and the Lao Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism, the exhibition marks the 75th anniversary of Vietnam’s National Day (September 2).

Speaking at the opening ceremony on September 1, Lao Deputy Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism Buangean Saphouvong said the exhibition gives insight into milestones in bilateral ties as well as the achievements posted by the two countries over recent decades, which contributed to enhancing and tightening their relationship.

The exhibition will last until September 3.

Meanwhile, Vietnam’s National Day was also observed by the Vietnamese Embassy in Brunei on August 30, with various cultural, arts, and sporting activities held that drew the participation of representatives from several Brunei ministries and foreign embassies in the country.

Vietnam and Brunei set up a comprehensive partnership in 2019, and are working to raise bilateral trade to 500 million USD in 2022. VNA