Deputy PM suggests increased ties with Laos

Bangkok (VNA) – Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam suggested enhancing bilateral cooperation in culture, education-training, human resources, transport, finance-banking, energy, health care, tourism and people-to-people exchange during a meeting with Lao Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith on October 10.

The meeting took place on the sidelines of the second Asia Cooperation Dialogue on October 10.

In order to deepen the special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between the two countries, the Vietnamese Deputy PM proposed further facilitating all-level visits and thoroughly preparing for the annual high-level meeting between the two Politburos, the 39th meeting of the Inter-Governmental Committee on Bilateral Cooperation as well as celebrations for the 55th anniversary of diplomatic ties and the 40th anniversary of the signing of Vietnam-Laos Treaty of Amity and Cooperation.

Dam said more support should be given to cooperation projects, including Vietnamese business operations in Laos via a number of effective policies and mechanisms.

Expressing thanks to the Lao Party, government and people for helping Vietnam recover from prolonged drought and saline intrusion in the south through 257,000 USD in financial aid and increased water drainage on Mekong tributary, he called for continued mutual liaison, and together with countries, in the sustainable and effective management and use of Mekong water resources.

The Lao PM, for his part, said both sides should continue maintaining regular high-level visits and exchanges to increase the sharing of information and experience.

He hailed ministries, localities, businesses and peoples for realising bilateral cooperation agreements and conventions over the past years.-VNA