Lao Ambassador to Vietnam Khamphao Ernthavanh. (Photo: NVCC)

Lao Ambassador to Vietnam Khamphao Ernthavanh gave an interview to The Gioi and Viet Nam Newspaper ahead of the 50th Anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification Day (April 30, 1975 - April 30, 2025).

Ambassador, please evaluate the significance of the victory on April 30, 1975 for the national liberation struggle of the Vietnamese people and for the revolution of the Lao people?

The victory on April 30, 1975 marked the complete victory of the 1975 general offensive of the entire army and people of Vietnam. This just victory was the greatest achievement in the cause of national liberation and defense of the Fatherland led by the Communist Party of Vietnam and President Ho Chi Minh.

The great victory of Spring 1975 is a symbol of ardent patriotism, the strength of national unity, the indomitable and heroic fighting spirit of the army and people of the whole country, and the strong aspiration of the Vietnamese people for independence, freedom, peace and happiness. This is a typical victory of the world revolutionary forces, contributing to strongly promoting the struggle of the world people for the goal of independence, peace, democracy and social progress.

The earth-shaking victory was a historic turning point not only for the Vietnamese people but also of great significance for the Lao and Cambodian revolutions as well as the world, contributing to promoting the movement for the goals of national independence, peace, democracy and social progress, strongly encouraging peoples to fight against imperialism and neo-colonialism in Indochina and globally.

Laos and Vietnam have formed a special alliance and solidarity in fighting, and with special affection, the Lao Party, State and people have fully supported and created all favorable conditions for Vietnam to open the "Ho Chi Minh Trail" through Lao territory to "cut through Truong Son to save the country", completely liberate South Vietnam, and unify the country.

That noble and great sacrifice became an unparalleled strength, a great source of motivation, contributing to bringing the revolutions of Vietnam and Laos to great victory in 1975, ending decades of war, creating a miracle of victory over colonialists and imperialists.

In short, the victory that the Vietnamese army and people have achieved is a great source of encouragement and motivation for the Lao people in the cause of defending and developing the country. The Lao Party, State and people consider this achievement and victory as their own.

The Lao People's Army delegation participates in a rehearsal for the parade to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification Day in Ho Chi Minh City, April 25. (Photo: Nguyen Hong)

From the mountains to the sea, from the cities to the countryside, Vietnamese people are enthusiastically organizing a series of activities to celebrate the national holiday. Ambassador, please share your personal feelings about these special events?

This is a major event for the whole of Vietnam and I have been following it through the media since the beginning of the year, especially the preparations for propaganda activities and the organization of the Anniversary Ceremony in Ho Chi Minh City. The Vietnamese press reported that there will be an incense offering and flower offering ceremony to commemorate the heroic martyrs on April 29 at martyrs' cemeteries in the city; the "Colors of Uncle Ho's City" Festival with the highlight being the 3D Mapping art performance and the performance of 2,000 drones combined with fireworks on the night of April 19.

The film exhibition “Echoes of the Great Victory of Spring 1975”, the special art program “National Reunification Day” are also important highlights; the outdoor art program “The Country is Full of Joy”, the special concert “Peace Symphony”, the television bridge “Forever the Triumphal Song”, a brass band performance combined with horseback riding; and the organization of “Press Week” from April 25 to May 1.

In particular, this Parade will feature a parade of overseas Vietnamese with representatives from more than 20 sister localities, more than 100 outstanding overseas Vietnamese delegates from 20 countries and territories...

This important event will include a large-scale military parade hosted by the Vietnamese Ministry of National Defense. In particular, the Lao military parade will participate, demonstrating the traditional friendship and special solidarity between the people and armies of Laos and Vietnam, while affirming the most friendly relationship between the armies of Laos and Vietnam.

In short, in this great celebration, we will remember President Ho Chi Minh, who led the revolution and the resistance wars to victory; remember and be grateful to the heroic martyrs, heroic Vietnamese mothers, wounded and sick soldiers and the people of the whole country who contributed to the resistance war against the US to save the country, gain independence, freedom, peace and happiness for today's generation and take the opportunity to look back at the painful and heroic past of the Vietnamese people; remember and be grateful to President Kaysone Phomvihane, President Souphanouvong and the heroic soldiers of the Lao and Vietnamese alliance who sacrificed for the Lao revolution.

During the 50th Anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification Day, Comrade Thongloun Sisoulith, General Secretary and President of the Lao PDR and I will attend.

The event is expected to help the younger generation and international friends recognize the arduous past in the struggle for national liberation; recognize Vietnam's increasingly strong development and recognize the loyal and mutually supportive Laos-Vietnam relationship for mutual development.

Thank you Ambassador!