(VNF) - The effective cooperation between the Vietnam Peace Committee (VPC) and the Lao Committee for Peace and Solidarity (LCPS) have significantly contributed to the growth of friendship and partnership between the Party, State and people of the two countries.

The talks between the Peace Committee of Vietnam and the Committee for Peace and Solidarity of Laos on August 22^nd.

The opinion was shared by Uong Chu Luu, National Assembly Vice Chairman and VPC President and Somphan Phengkhammy, National Assembly Vice Chairman and LCPS President during their talks in Hanoi on August 22^nd as part of the latter’s ongoing visit.

On behalf of the VPC, Luu warmly welcomed the visit of Lao delegation to Vietnam, especially at a time when two countries are marking the 55^th anniversary of Vietnam-Laos diplomatic ties (September 5^th, 1962-2017) and 40 years since the signing of the bilateral Treaty of Amity and Cooperation (July 18^th, 1977-2017).

He congratulated Laos on their achievements during the 30-year renewal process and expressed his belief that under the leadership of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party, the governance of the Lao Government, and the supervision of the Lao NA, the country would successfully implement the Resolution of the 10^th Party Congress and its five-year socio-economic development plan for 2016-2020, thus increasing its position in the region and the world as a whole.

At the meeting, the two sides expressed their delight at the sound traditional friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between the two Parties, States and people in all fields.

Uong Chu Luu, National Assembly Vice Chairman and VPC President (second, from the right) briefing the guests about Vietnam’s achievements in socio-economic development.

Luu emphasized that this year is an important year in the special relationship of the two countries. Many active and vibrant activities had been organised to commemorate two important landmark in the bilateral ties.

Most recently, the Vietnam’s Culture and Tourism days in Laos and the Lao Culture and Tourism Days in Vietnam with the participation of leaders of the Party and State of the two countries. In addition, the two sides also successfully organised the Laos – Vietnam People's Friendship Festival in Vientiane, attended by the Presidents of the two Friendship Associations and nearly 1,000 delegations from the two country.

These activities were a practical way in developing and cultivating the special Vietnam - Laos relationships to forever “blossom and fruit”; making this relationship very exemplary, loyal, pure, and is the only model of its kind in the world and promoting the traditional bilateral friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Laos, enhancing the mutual understanding and friendship between peoples of the two countries.

Regarding the activities of the VPC, the President said that the Committee has actively participated in many activities of people's foreign affairs, for example, activities within the framework of the World Peace Council, the ASEAN People's Forum, the Asia-Europe People's Forum, the World Conference Against Atomic and Hydrogen Bombs, etc. In the country, the VPC regularly organises or participates in peace education activities.

At present, the VPC is focusing on organising some major events such as the International Conference on Human Rights and Peace in September. In particular, the VPC will host the Executive Committee meeting of the World Peace Council and International conference on 100^th Anniversary of the Revolution in Russia and Peace in November.

On this occasion, NA Vice Chairman Uong Chu Luu invited the LCPS to attend the conferences.

He also lauded the friendship and co-operation of the people’s organisations of the two countries, adding that they should continue fostering their future partnership through specific activities, including delegation exchange, as well as coordination and mutual support in people-to-people diplomacy activities, and sharing information and experience.

At the same time, the two sides need to consider the affiliation in organising some specific activities or projects to support victims of Agent Orange; introducing culture and tourism of Vietnam in Laos and vice versa to educate the public, especially youngsters, on the solidarity, and friendship between the two countries.

Somphan Phengkhammy, National Assembly Vice Chairman and LCPS President affirmed that his committee will work closely with VPC in strengthening coordination, exchange information and experiences, and supporting each other.

On behalf of the Lao delegation, President Somphan Phengkham appreciated President Uong Chu Luu and VPC leader’s warm welcome, affirming that the LCPS will work closely with the VPC to enhance the traditional friendship and cooperation between the two countries through joint activities.

Regarding the activities of the LCPS, Somphan Phengkhammy said that the Committee also has actively organised many activities marking important events. With multilateral relations, the LCPS has cooperated with regional peace committees and Asian-African, Latin America Solidarity Organisations as well as member organisations of the World Peace Council.

However, he also said that the activities of the LCPS are still limited and suggested the VPC will continue supporting the LCPS in the coming time.

Accordingly, President Somphan Phengkhammy agreed to deepen their cooperation by maintaining exchange of high level delegations, sharing experiences in organising activities of people’s organisations and NGOs in each nation, supporting each other in multilateral forums and working closely together to support AO victims, etc.

At the talks, on behalf of the LCPS, President Somphan Phengkhammy thanked the Luu’s invitation and promised to arrange the time for the World Peace Council’s Executive Committee meeting in November.

Delegates pose for a group photo.

Highly appreciating the opinions of the LCPS, NA Vice Chairman Uong Chu Luu confirmed that the VPC will continue bolstering co-operation in practical activities, and working together to support each other in people-to-people diplomacy and in communication campaigns to popularise the two countries’ friendship in general and two committees in particular./.

Translated by Minh Chau