Outgoing Lao Ambassador vows to nurture relations with Vietnam

Lao Ambassador to Vietnam Somphone Sichaleune has confirmed that he will continue to foster the special rapports between the two countries after accomplishing his working tenure in the country.

The Ambassador made the remark while bidding farewell to State President Truong Tan Sang in Hanoi on September 17.

He took the occasion to thank Vietnamese leaders for helping him fulfill his mission successfully, saying he had learnt a lot while working in Vietnam.

He also thanked the Vietnamese Party, State, and people for supporting Lao counterparts over years.

President Truong Tan Sang recognised the diplomat’s contributions to the special solidarity and traditional friendship between the two countries, which have been further strengthened in recent time.

Bilateral trade, in particular, has posted strong growth, with the implementation of major projects, including the 50-million-USD kali salt mining one in Laos.

The State leader thanked the Lao Party and State for aiding Vietnamese businesses’ effective investments in Laos, and promoting bilateral cooperation in education-training, national defence and security.

He congratulated Laos on its social-economic development achievements over the past five years, saying in the light of global economic downturn Laos has still maintained its high growth in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

Vietnam is willing to share experience and support Laos as Chair of ASEAN in 2016, he said.-VNA