Vientiane (VNA) - The role of people-to-people diplomacy in fostering Vietnam–Laos relations was underlined at a series of meetings and discussions held in Vientiane on December 9.
A delegation of the Vietnam Peace Committee, led by Uong Chu Luu, former member of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee and former Vice Chairman of the National Assembly, paid a courtesy call on Bounthong Chitmany, Permanent member of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party (LPRP) Central Committee and Vice President of Laos.
Luu thanked Bounthong for his warm welcome and informed him of the outcomes of the earlier talks between the Vietnam Peace Committee and the Lao Peace and Solidarity Committee.
He noted that cooperation between the two committees has, throughout their development, reflected the closeness and trust inherent in the traditional friendship between the Vietnamese and Lao people.
Luu expressed the belief that with continued support and leadership from the two Parties and States, this bilateral cooperation channel would be deepened, generate practical results and contribute actively to consolidating the great friendship, special solidarity, comprehensive cooperation and strategic cohesion between Vietnam and Laos.
Bounthong highly evaluated the visit, describing it as a contribution to strengthening and nurturing the relations between the two nations and their respective peace committees.
Amid complicated regional and global developments and attempts by hostile forces to undermine the bilateral ties, he emphasised the need for the two committees to continue close coordination at regional and international people’s forums to safeguard the interests of the two nations' people.
Bounthong stressed the importance of enhancing information dissemination and education efforts, especially among young generations, to ensure deeper understanding of the historical, strategic and special nature of Vietnam–Laos relations.
Earlier the same day, the talks between the two committees were held at the Lao National Assembly Office in Vientiane. The Vietnamese side was led by Uong Chu Lưu, while the Lao side was headed by Vice President of the National Assembly Sommad Pholsena, who is also Chairman of the Lao Peace and Solidarity Committee.
The two sides agreed to create favourable conditions for organisations engaged in people-to-people exchanges to strengthen cooperation, share information and contribute to building stronger bonds among different social strata. They highlighted the importance of educating younger generations on the traditional friendship between the two countries.
The committees also agreed to intensify coordination at regional and international forums and jointly promote messages of peace, friendship, national independence and sustainable development.
They shared views on expanding cooperation in multilateral people-to-people diplomacy, international advocacy, mobilisation of resources for humanitarian activities and community development, and improving living standards.
Both sides underlined that people-to-people diplomacy has played a vital role in connecting localities, communities, enterprises, educational institutions and mass organisations. They considered this a key driver of practical cooperation, contributing to real benefits for both countries' people and reinforcing the social foundation of the great friendship, special solidarity, comprehensive cooperation and strategic cohesion between Vietnam and Laos./.
