During a ceremony held today in the capital Vientiane, Lao General Secretary and President Thongloun Sisoulith conferred the national gold order upon General Secretary To Lam. This award recognized his significant contributions to fostering the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between the two Parties, two States, and peoples of Laos and Vietnam, according to TTXVN.

Lao General Secretary and President Thongloun Sisoulith presents the national gold order to General Secretary To Lam on 1/12. *Photo: TTXVN*

General Secretary To Lam expressed his honor and emotion at receiving the national gold order, the highest award from the Party, State, and people of fraternal Laos. He stated that this is a great source of pride for him personally and a vivid testament to the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Laos.

The General Secretary conveyed profound gratitude to the Party, State, and people of fraternal Laos for always standing shoulder to shoulder with the Party, State, and people of Vietnam throughout the past struggle for national independence, as well as in the current cause of national defense, construction, and development.

General Secretary To Lam emphasized that the spirit of solidarity has become an immense strength, leading to glorious victories and the peace and independence enjoyed today. He affirmed that this spirit will continue to guide the two countries and peoples of Vietnam and Laos to always accompany each other, sharing aspirations and destiny.

He affirmed his commitment to continue working with the leadership of the Vietnamese Party and State, alongside the leadership of the Lao Party and State, to foster the increasingly developing "faithful and steadfast" Vietnam-Laos relationship. This relationship, he noted, is worthy of the sacrifices and contributions of previous generations and fulfills the aspirations of the two peoples.

General Secretary To Lam and his spouse with Lao General Secretary and President Thongloun Sisoulith and his spouse at the ceremony. *Photo: TTXVN*

General Secretary To Lam and his spouse arrived in Vientiane today, commencing a state visit to Laos. The visit includes attending the 50th anniversary of Lao National Day and co-chairing a high-level meeting between the Communist Party of Vietnam and the Lao People's Revolutionary Party on 1-2/12.

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Manh Cuong stated that the visit is a particularly important foreign affairs activity for Vietnam in 2025. It also marks General Secretary To Lam's first state visit to Laos in his new capacity.

Deputy Minister Cuong assessed that the visit will make a strong mark on the prosperity of both countries, create a breakthrough in cooperative relations, and contribute positively to peace, stability, cooperation, and development in the region and worldwide.

Ngoc Anh