Bounnhang Vorachit, general secretary of the Central Committee of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party (LPRP) and president of Laos, addresses an event to celebrate the 45th anniversary of the establishment of the Lao People's Democratic Republic (Lao PDR) in Vientiane, Laos, Dec. 2, 2020. More than 1,000 people gathered at the National Convention Center here to celebrate the 45th anniversary of the establishment of the Lao PDR on Wednesday. (Photo by Kaikeo Saiyasane/Xinhua)

More than 1,000 people gathered at the National Convention Center here to celebrate the 45th anniversary of the establishment of the Lao People's Democratic Republic (Lao PDR) on Wednesday.

Speaking at the event, Bounnhang Vorachit, general secretary of the Central Committee of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party (LPRP) and president of Laos, underlined the importance of the National Day and recounted the country's development over the past 45 years.

Local daily Vientiane Times on Thursday quoted Bounnhang as saying that Dec. 2, 1975 was a day when Lao people of all ethnicities became the true masters of their country and destiny, and that Laos gained full independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity and everyone is proud to have complete freedom and the right to develop their country as well as enjoy their lives.

The National Day is a time for the Lao people to pay respect and homage to the revolutionary leaders and review the country's accomplishments and consider what needs to be done in the future, he said.

President Bounnhang said the founding of the Lao PDR was a victory achieved through the unshakeable solidarity of the Lao people and army, who fought courageously against the imperialists.

The Vientiane Times reported that the country's average per capita GDP has reached 2,742 U.S. dollars in 2020, while roads, airports, bridges and other infrastructure have been built to connect Laos and the rest of the region.

"The country's 45th anniversary coincides with significant progress in the construction of about 414 km Laos-China railway and the 460 km Vientiane-Boten (bordering China) Expressway," said the report.

Wednesday's ceremony was attended by senior LPRP and government leaders and officials, while the highlight of the occasion was a cultural performance and photo exhibition designed to reflect the achievements in national defence and development over the past 45 years.

A performance is held to celebrate the 45th anniversary of the establishment of the Lao People's Democratic Republic (Lao PDR) in Vientiane, Laos, Dec. 2, 2020. More than 1,000 people gathered at the National Convention Center here to celebrate the 45th anniversary of the establishment of the Lao PDR on Wednesday. (Photo by Kaikeo Saiyasane/Xinhua)

A performance is held to celebrate the 45th anniversary of the establishment of the Lao People's Democratic Republic (Lao PDR) in Vientiane, Laos, Dec. 2, 2020. More than 1,000 people gathered at the National Convention Center here to celebrate the 45th anniversary of the establishment of the Lao PDR on Wednesday. (Photo by Kaikeo Saiyasane/Xinhua)

A performance is held to celebrate the 45th anniversary of the establishment of the Lao People's Democratic Republic (Lao PDR) in Vientiane, Laos, Dec. 2, 2020. More than 1,000 people gathered at the National Convention Center here to celebrate the 45th anniversary of the establishment of the Lao PDR on Wednesday. (Photo by Kaikeo Saiyasane/Xinhua)