PM hosts Lao National Assembly leader

Hanoi (VNA) – Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc hosted a reception for Chairwoman of the Lao National Assembly (NA) Pany Yathotou in Hanoi on March 5.

PM Phuc lauded the visit of the Lao top legislator, which contributes to fostering cooperation between the two countries’ parties, governments, and NAs.

The Vietnamese leader expressed his delight at the positive results of partnership between Vietnam and Laos, especially in trade and border cooperation, as well as the outcomes of the recent Laos visit by Party General Secretary and President Nguyen Phu Trong, which created a strong driving force for further collaboration between the two parties and states.

For her part, the Lao NA leader congratulated Vietnam for successfully hosting the second DPRK-USA summit, demonstrating Vietnam’s role and contributions in building peace and stability in the world.

She said that over the years, the NAs of Vietnam and Laos have collaborated closely and fruitfully.

During her visit, the two legislative bodies will promote the efficiency of their affiliation, she said, adding that the Lao delegation has learnt a lot from the experience of the Vietnamese side in many areas, including land management policy.

In a working session with leaders of Hanoi, the delegation learnt about the city’s implementation of the Vietnamese government’s directions and NA’s resolutions, she noted. The delegation also visited an economic model applicable to Laos in Hanoi.

Lao NA leader Pany Yathotou thanked the Party, State, Government, and NA of Vietnam for helping Laos in the construction of a new building for the Lao NA. She stressed that the Vietnamese government and the PM have always offered timely and effective support to Lao people in many areas, especially in overcoming the consequences of the Attapeu hydropower dam collapse, which shows the special solidarity and borderless assistance that Vietnamese people have given to their Lao friends.

PM Phuc said that although Vietnam still faces many difficulties, the country has always been willing to give whole-hearted support to the Lao people.

He proposed that the NAs of Vietnam and Laos continue working together to reinforce the special ties by maintaining high-level visits and bilateral cooperation mechanisms; expanding and enhancing the efficiency of partnership in various areas such as security, defence, economy, trade, and investment; and strengthening communications and education on the tradition of the Vietnam-Laos special solidarity among youngsters.

The two sides should continue supporting each other at international and regional forums, especially the UN and ASEAN, as well as sub-regional mechanisms; while increasing the sharing of information, experience, and expertise; and coordinating closely at regional and international inter-parliamentary forums, he suggested.

PM Phuc expressed his hope that Vietnam and Laos will work closely together with one another and with other countries and organisations in sustainably managing and using the Mekong River’s water resources, responsibly exploiting hydropower resources to ensure water security for the interest of all concerned sides and people.

Vietnam is willing to cooperate with and assist Laos in realising its strategy of energy development, including hydropower energy, stated the PM. –VNA