On December 2, 2024, at NAPA Headquarters in Ha Noi, the National Academy of Public Administration (NAPA) held a ceremony to celebrate the 49th anniversary of the National Day of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (December 2, 1975 – December 2, 2024).
The ceremony was attended by Dr. Lai Duc Vuong, NAPA Vice President; Ms. Phonvilay Sypasert, Second Secretary of the Embassy of Laos in Viet Nam; leaders of various NAPA faculties, departments, and units; and Lao students currently studying at NAPA.
Dr. Lai Duc Vuong, NAPA Vice President, delivers congratulations to Lao students at NAPA on the occasion of Lao National Day.
In his remarks, Dr. Lai Duc Vuong congratulated the Lao students studying at NAPA and extended his best wishes to the people of Laos for continued achievements in their efforts to build a peaceful, independent, democratic, unified, prosperous, and thriving nation.
He emphasized that over the past 49 years, under the wise leadership of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party, the multi-ethnic people of Laos have achieved remarkable progress, creating a new face for the country while maintaining national independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. The country has experienced political and social stability, ensured national defense and security, enhanced its international role and standing, sustained considerable economic growth, and continually improved the material and non-material well-being of its people. He further noted the deep pride of the Vietnamese people in having Laos as a loyal and close friend, standing shoulder-to-shoulder in the struggles for national liberation, unification, development, and defense. The special Viet Nam-Laos relationship has been a source of both material and non-material strength, enabling the two nations to overcome challenges, fight for independence, protect their sovereignty, and build prosperous, happy societies. This exemplary, loyal, and pure friendship between Viet Nam and Laos is a priceless asset that must be preserved and passed on to future generations.
NAPA is honored to maintain and foster this partnership through collaborative activities in training and capacity building for Lao officials, civil servants, and public employees. The shared cultural and traditional ties between the two nations enable Lao students to easily integrate into the learning environment in Viet Nam, forming close bonds with Vietnamese students, learners, and faculty, while actively participating in cultural, artistic, and sports activities at NAPA.
On behalf of NAPA’s leaders, Dr. Lai Duc Vuong commended the hard work and dedication of Lao students and pledged to continue providing them with sincere and effective support. He concluded with heartfelt wishes for the everlasting vitality and sustainability of the special friendship between the two nations and peoples of Viet Nam and Laos.
Musical performances to celebrate the National Day of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic.
Ms. Phonvilay Sypasert, Second Secretary of the Lao Embassy in Viet Nam, speaks at the Celebration of Lao National Day.
In her remarks at the ceremony, Ms. Phonvilay Sypasert, on behalf of the Embassy of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic in Viet Nam, expressed heartfelt gratitude for the warm sentiments and thoughtful organization of the celebration by the NAPA leadership, staff, and faculty for Lao students at NAPA. She emphasized that this event reflects the close friendship, strong camaraderie, and dynamic nature of the special relationship that NAPA has nurtured for the Lao people and students studying and conducting research at NAPA.
The establishment of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic on December 2, 1975, marked a glorious milestone in the proud history of Laos under the banner of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party. This achievement was made possible by the dedicated efforts of the Lao Issara Front and with significant support from socialist allies, particularly the deep solidarity and assistance from the Party, State, and people of Viet Nam.
Delegates at the ceremony.
Over the past 49 years of unity and independence, the world and regional contexts have continued to present complex developments with intertwined opportunities and challenges. Yet, under the wise leadership of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party, the multi-ethnic people of Laos have united, overcoming all difficulties and challenges, demonstrating independence, self-reliance, and a resolute determination to successfully implement two strategic tasks: national defense and national development. The Lao People’s Democratic Republic has achieved significant and historically meaningful accomplishments, transforming the face of the beautiful land of Champa. The country recorded a GDP growth rate of 4.6% in the first 10 months of 2024, striving to meet the goals of the Ninth Five-Year National Socio-Economic Development Plan and to graduate from the group of least-developed countries by 2030. Laos has established diplomatic relations with 148 countries worldwide, continuously strengthening its great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation with the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam. The country has actively integrated into regional and international frameworks, contributing to the robust development of the ASEAN community, particularly as ASEAN Chair in 2024.
Ms. Phonvilay Sypasert also emphasized that despite the complex and changing global and regional contexts, she is confident that Lao students studying and living in Viet Nam, especially at NAPA, will serve as vital bridges in preserving, promoting, and cultivating the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between Viet Nam and Laos. This unique relationship, built by President Ho Chi Minh, President Kaisone Phomvihane, and President Souphanouvong, will continue to thrive and bear fruit through the contributions of future generations.
Student Kongkeo Lunmarla, a PhD candidate from Cohort 21 studying at NAPA, delivers remarks at the ceremony.
In his speech of gratitude, student Kongkeo Lunmarla, on behalf of the Lao students and researchers at NAPA, expressed sincere thanks to the NAPA Board of Directors for their consistent support and for organizing this meaningful gathering and celebration of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic’s National Day.
He highlighted that over the past 49 years, under the correct leadership of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party, the country has successfully carried out its two strategic missions: national defense and development. Especially since the Party initiated its reform policy in 1986, the Lao People’s Democratic Republic has seen positive transformations across all sectors. The nation has achieved political stability, ensured social order, and sustained continuous socio-economic development, with a notably high economic growth rate. The quality of life for the people has gradually improved, and GDP has increased significantly, contributing to the establishment of a modern rule-of-law state in Laos.
On behalf of the Lao students at NAPA, Mr. Kongkeo Lunmarla also extended his gratitude to the professors and faculty members of NAPA for celebrating this special occasion with them. He wished the distinguished guests, faculty, and all Vietnamese and Lao students good health, happiness, and success in their careers and lives.
Dr. Lai Duc Vuong presents flowers to representatives of the Lao Embassy and Lao students and researchers at NAPA.
