December 2 is the founding anniversary of the People’s Democratic Republic of Laos.

On this meaningful occasion, our people extend warm congratulations to the Lao government and people.

46 years ago, the Lao people achieved glorious victory in the protracted and arduous struggle to put an end to colonial rule by the imperialists and feudal monarchy, and founded the People’s Democratic Republic in 1975.

The establishment of the socialist system in Laos made it possible for the Lao people to enter a new road of development to eliminate centuries-old backwardness and poverty and to build a prosperous Laos, holding their destinies in their own hands as the true masters of the country.

For nearly half a century since the founding of the Republic, the Lao people have achieved great successes in their struggle to maintain the political stability of the country and achieve its sustainable economic development, braving all the challenges and difficulties under the correct leadership of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party.

As the leadership role of the Party continues to strengthen and the line of involving all people in national defense and security was thoroughly implemented, the gains of the revolution were firmly defended, socio-political stability was ensured, and great successes were achieved in the struggle to develop the economy, science and technology and to improve people’s livelihood.

The Lao Party and government stepped up multi-faceted cooperation and exchanges with many countries in the world under the ideals of peace, independence, friendship and cooperation, thus enhancing the country’s position remarkably in the regional and international arenas.

The government and people of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea always set great store by the friendly and cooperative relations with the Lao government and people which were forged in carrying out the common cause for anti-imperialism, independence and socialism. We will, as ever, send active support and firm solidarity to the Lao people in their righteous struggle to build a prosperous socialist state.

I am firmly convinced that the Lao people will achieve great victory in carrying out the 9 th Five-Year Plan for socio-economic development to put the national economy onto a more sustainable and sound track and to further raise the standards of material and cultural life of the people by thoroughly implementing the decisions made at the 11 th Party Congress under the leadership of the People’s Revolutionary Party.

Hwang Chol

Vice-Chairman of Korea-Asia Association