Politburo member and permanent member of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee's Secretariat Vo Van Thuong (left) and General Secretary of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party (LPRP) Central Committee and President of Laos Thongloun Sisoulith. Photo: VNA

Politburo member and permanent member of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee’s Secretariat Vo Van Thuong and a high-ranking Party and State delegation have visited Laos to attend the celebrations.

The Vietnamese officials were received separately on July 17 by General Secretary of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party (LPRP) Central Committee and President of Laos Thongloun Sisoulith, Prime Minister Phankham Viphavanh and President of the Lao National Assembly Xaysomphone Phomvihane in Vientiane, VietnamPlus reported

During the meetings, Thuong highlighted the significance of the establishment of the Vietnam-Laos diplomatic ties 60 years ago and the signing of the treaty 45 years ago, which marked milestones in the history of the relations between the two Parties and States.

Thanking Laos for consistently providing support for Vietnam, he expressed his delight at the steady growth of the special ties between the two nations, contributing to maintaining political stability and socio-economic development in each country and heightening their international status.

Vo Van Thuong (left) and Prime Minister Phankham Viphavanh. Photo: VNA

He proposed both sides direct their concerned ministries and local administrations to actively coordinate in implementing agreements signed by leaders of the two Parties, Governments and National Assemblies; deepen the political ties; and successfully organise visits by the two countries' leaders and activities marking the Year of Solidarity and Friendship 2022.

He also suggested the two sides further share experience in Party building, socio-economic development and international integration; closely cooperate in defence, security and external affairs; and together address issues hampering the effectiveness of the bilateral economic partnership.

Echoing Thuong’s view, the Lao leaders also said they are happy to see the bilateral ties expanding in various areas, bringing practical benefits to people of both nations.

Vo Van Thuong (left) pays a courtesy call to President of the Lao National Assembly Xaysomphone Phomvihane. Photo: VNA

They emphasised the long-standing tradition and the importance of the Vietnam-Laos relationship, saying it remains the valuable asset of both peoples and a rule for the existence and development of each country.

They pledged to do their utmost to nurture and promote the ties and asked the two sides to closely work together to effectively enforce high-level agreements, including the strategy for cooperation in the 2021 – 2030 period, the 2021 – 2025 cooperation agreement and a plan for cooperation between the two governments for 2022.

Later the same day, Thuong and his entourage paid a courtesy visit to former General Secretary of the LPRP and President Choummaly Xayasone.

They also attended the opening of an exhibition on the Vietnam-Laos relations at the Kaysone Phomvihan Museum in Vientiane on July 17.

As part of activities within the Vietnamese culture week in Laos, the exhibition features photos, documents, objects and books on the special relationship between the two countries.

Lao Vice President's visit

Vice President Vo Thi Anh Xuan and Vice President of Laos Bounthong Chitmany. Photo: VNA

Vice President Vo Thi Anh Xuan also held talks with Vice President of Laos Bounthong Chitmany in Hanoi on July 17, who is on a visit to Vietnam to attend the celebrations of the 60th anniversary of the two countries’ diplomatic relations and the 45th anniversary of the singing of the bilateral Treaty of Amity and Cooperation.

They shared the view that despite Covid-19, the two sides have maintained high-ranking delegation exchanges, bilateral cooperation mechanisms, and trade and investment ties.

The Presidents agreed to continue the exchange of meetings and visits through all channels, improve the efficiency of collaboration in different spheres, from national defence and security, to transport, education-training, culture, sports and cooperation between localities.

The two countries will also step up investment and trade links, expand infrastructure connectivity in transport, energy, telecommunications and digital economy, and boost border trade.

The officials compared notes on regional and international issues of shared concern, and consented to continue close coordination and mutual support at multilateral forums, especially the United Nations (UN), the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the Mekong cooperation mechanism.

Later the same day, President Nguyen Xuan Phuc received Lao Vice President Bounthong Chitmany, Viet Nam News said./.

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