A conference to seek measures for stronger cooperation between the Vietnamese and Lao National Assemblies and comprehensive cooperation between the two countries took place in the northern province of Son La on Apr. 23.

The event was part of activities to celebrate the Vietnam – Laos Solidarity and Friendship Year, the 50 th anniversary of the two countries’ diplomatic ties and the 35 th anniversary of the signing of Vietnam – Laos Friendship and Cooperation Treaty.

Addressing the event, NA Chairman Nguyen Sinh Hung said the event offered the two countries a chance to review and further deepen the Vietnam - Laos special solidarity and friendship fostered by Presidents Ho Chi Minh and Kaysone Phomvihane.

Hung said he believes the two legislative bodies will keep promoting ties and Vietnam-Laos comprehensive cooperation will increasingly develop in both breadth and depth to a new height with better quality.

Lao NA Chairwoman Pany Yathotou said despite the complex situation in the region and the world, Laos - Vietnam special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation have still been nurtured and kept developing for the prosperity of the two nations and wellbeing of the two peoples.

Nguyen Xuan Phuc, Chairman of the Vietnam – Laos Cooperation Sub-Committee said over the past 35 years, bilateral cooperation in politics, national defence, security and diplomacy have been enhanced.

He said cooperation in economics, culture, education, and science and technology has been increasingly diversified and improved in quality, while cooperation and mutual support among Party and mass organisations, ministries and departments and NA committees have expanded in a practical manner.

Two-way trade has risen steadily over the years and investment activities are more vibrant with more positive results, which have directly impacted joint economic cooperation, Phuc said.

Somsavat Lengsavad, Chairman of the Laos-Vietnam Cooperation Sub-Committee asked the two NAs to closely supervise the implementation of bilateral cooperative agreements, especially in legal issues, mechanisms and policies to remove obstacles, offering the best conditions possible for each NA to strongly advance towards socialism given the global integration.

The participants also heard reports on orientations for the two countries’ cooperation delivered by Deputy Minister of Planning and Investment Cao Viet Sinh, Deputy Chairman of the Vietnam – Laos Cooperation Sub-Committee and Deputy Chairman of the Laos – Vietnam Cooperation Sub-Committee Phonsouk Khounsombath.-VNA