Creating New Impetus for Vietnam-Laos Cooperation

Lao officials see off President Vo Van Thuong at Wattay International Airport in Vientiane. (Photo: Thong Nhat/VNA)

On April 11, State President Vo Van Thuong wrapped up his official visit to Laos.

Although the visit was only over 30 hours, President Vo Van Thuong had 18 rich activities in Vientiane with many specific results. It has created a new and important impetus for the Vietnam-Laos relationship in all channels and fields.

The visit contributes to the effective implementation of high-level agreements of the two Parties and countries, especially the Vietnam-Laos Strategic Cooperation Agreement for the 2021-2030 period and the bilateral cooperation agreement from 2021-2025.

President Vo Van Thuong chose Laos as the first country to visit in his new position.

During the high-level talks, Party General Secretary and President of Laos Thongloun Sisoulith said it shows the respect that the Party, State of Vietnam and President Vo Van Thuong have for the great friendship, special solidarity and cooperation between Vietnam and Laos.

General Secretary and President Thongloun Sisoulith thanked President Vo Van Thuong for bringing to Laos the close friendship and solidarity of the Party, State and people of Vietnam right on the occasion of the whole country joyfully preparing to welcome the Buddhist New Year 2566.

During the meeting, President Vo Van Thuong announced a gift worth US$1 million from the Party, State and people of Vietnam to the Lao Party, State and people.

State President Vo Van Thuong holds talks with General Secretary and President of Laos Thongloun Sisoulith. (Photo: Thong Nhat/VNA)

After the talks, the leaders of the two countries witnessed the signing and exchange of two cooperation documents.

The two documents are a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in technology and innovation between the Ministry of Science and Technology of Vietnam and the Ministry of Technology and Communication of Laos and Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in science between the Ministry of Science and Technology of Vietnam and the Ministry of Education and Sports of Laos.

Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son says this is a multifacted and special visit.

“The State President Vo Van Thuong visited Laos for the first time right after assuming the position of President. It demonstrates our consistent policy of always attaching great importance to and giving the highest priority to the great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Laos".

President Vo Van Thuong had meetings with the Prime Minister and Chairman of the National Assembly of Laos; President of the Lao Front for National Construction, Central Committee.

At the meetings, the two sides agreed to focus on effectively implementing high-level agreements between the two countries, between central and local ministries and agencies; strengthen consultations on strategic issues; promote the exchange of visits and contacts at all levels; review and improve the effectiveness of cooperation mechanisms.

The two sides also agreed to step up the security-defense cooperation pillar to deal with new challenges; continue to coordinate and support each other to ensure political stability, security, social order and safety in each country.

The two countries' senior leaders reaffirmed that they always attach great importance to and give the highest priority to consolidating and strengthening the great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Laos; consider this an invaluable asset, a vital element to the revolutionary cause of each country.

In the atmosphere of Vietnam-Laos friendship, on the basis of the long-standing relationship between the two peoples, President Vo Van Thuong attended the ceremony of tying wrists and praying for good luck on the occasion of the Laos New Year. This is a special ceremony, showing the respect of the Lao State and people during the official visit of President Vo Van Thuong.

Speaking at the official reception of General Secretary and President of Laos, President Vo Van Thuong said the special relationship between Vietnam and Laos is a relationship "unique in the world".

"Our two countries have a pure, loyal, "unique" relationship in the world, supported by the great President Ho Chi Minh, President Kaysone Phomvihane and President Souphanouvon," President Vo Van Thuong said.

Generations of leaders and people of the two countries have worked hard to cultivate, along with the sacrifices of many cadres, party members, soldiers and people of the two countries.

General Secretary and President of Laos Thongloun Sisoulith affirmed that he will do his best to promote the tradition of special friendship, solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Laos.

"We would like to affirm once again that we will do our best with Vietnamese comrades to protect and promote the tradition of special friendship, solidarity and cooperation between Laos and Vietnam. We continue to cherish, protect, strengthen, cultivate, and pass it on to the people of the next generations of the two countries to inherit and protect".

According to Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son, the visit has achieved specific and comprehensive results. The two sides continued to affirm their determination to constantly strengthen and further develop the special relationship between Vietnam and Laos, as well as the highest level of trust between the two countries' senior leaders particularly.

President Vo Van Thuong and General Secretary and President of Laos Thongloun Sisoulith tie thread on the wrist on the occasion of Lao New Year festival Bunpimay. (Photo: Thong Nhat/VNA)

The two sides agreed to step up the education of the peoples of the two countries, especially the younger generations, about the tradition of special ties between Vietnam and Laos. This motivates them to constantly cultivate and maintain the unique and loyal relationship between the two Parties and countries.

During the visit to Vientiane, President Vo Van Thuong talked with representatives of the Vietnamese community and businesses living and doing business in Laos.

The President encouraged the community to overcome difficulties, upheld the spirit of solidarity, made efforts to contribute to Laos' post-pandemic socio-economic recovery and development, as well as contributed to fostering the friendship and solidarity between the peoples of the two countries.

State President Vo Van Thuong wrapped up his official visit to Laos. Photo: VNA

President Vo Van Thuong also laid a wreath at a monument dedicated to Laos' unknown martyrs in Vientiane, Monument to President Kaysone Phomvihane and visited former senior leaders of Laos. He expressed his gratitude for the great contributions of generations of Lao leaders, officers, soldiers and people to the special relationship between Vietnam and Laos.

In the context that the world and regional situation is evolving complicatedly, causing difficulties and challenges, the visit of President Vo Van Thuong shows Vietnam's strong and comprehensive support for the renovation, recovery, socio-economic development and international integration of Laos.

The visit has contributed to creating a new impetus for cooperation between the two countries in 2023 in all key fields, from politics, diplomacy, security, defense, economy, education and training to science, technology, culture, sports and tourism.

The success of the visit contributes to constantly consolidating and developing the great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Laos.

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