Southeast Asia Information Port News (www.dnyxxg.com) On December 2nd, people of all ethnic groups in Laos gathered at That Luang Square in Vientiane to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Lao People's Democratic Republic with a grand military parade and commemorative rally. Party and state leaders, former leaders, foreign guests, and representatives of international organizations attended the event, which was broadcast live globally, allowing everyone to share this historic moment.
Thongloun Sisoulith, General Secretary of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party Central Committee and President of Laos, delivered a keynote speech at the rally. He reviewed the turning point of the revolution in 1975, emphasizing that it was the united struggle of the revolutionary forces and patriotic people that paved the way for the abolition of colonial and feudal systems and the establishment of the Lao People's Democratic Republic with territorial integrity. "This event ushered in a new era of national construction, allowing Laos to move firmly forward on the path of independence and self-reliance," Thongloun said, citing historical milestones and paying high tribute to revolutionary leaders such as Kaysone Phomvihane and Souphanouvong, as well as the martyrs who sacrificed their lives.
Thongloun pointed out that the "Renovation Policy" spearheaded by President Kaysone Phomvihane in 1986 was a key milestone in the country's development. This policy propelled Laos into the world and laid a solid foundation for development. He recounted the achievements of the past 50 years: under the leadership of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party, the former impoverished and weak feudal colony has transformed into a sovereign and independent nation, achieving leapfrog development characterized by sustained political stability, strengthened national unity, steady economic growth, and a prominent cultural identity. These achievements have significantly advanced the poverty reduction process, laying a solid foundation for Laos to shed its status as a least developed country by 2026, and making Laos a trustworthy partner in the international community, significantly enhancing its international standing.
Looking to the future, Thongloun reiterated that Laos will adhere to the socialist direction, aiming for "government of the people, by the people, and for the people," developing an independent and self-reliant economy, and practicing the sustainable development concept of coordinated economic, social, cultural, and environmental development. He clearly stated the country's vision: by 2055, the centenary of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party, to become an upper-middle-income country. At the end of his speech, Thongloun Sisoulith delivered four declarations, accompanied by solemn shouts of "Long live the Lao People's Democratic Republic!" and "Long live the glorious Lao People's Revolutionary Party!"
Following the President's speech, contingents composed of military and police personnel, government representatives, students, and members of the public marched through the square, showcasing the unity of the multi-ethnic groups. The parade concluded with a traditional performance by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism—performers from various ethnic groups in vibrant costumes formed a circular procession, performing the traditional Lao circle dance, bringing the celebrations to a perfect close.
Foreign leaders attending the celebrations included: Wang Huning, member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference; Do Lam, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam; Tea Banh, Vice President of the Cambodian People's Party; Nikolai Zhuravlev, Vice Chairman of the Federation Council of the Russian Federation; and Marta Ayala, member of the Politburo of Cuba. Wang Huning led a Chinese party and government delegation to Laos to convey congratulations and greetings from General Secretary Xi Jinping, demonstrating the traditional friendship between China and Laos.
