Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung speaks at the review ceremony (Source: VNA) Hanoi (VNA) – Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung and his Laos counterpart Thongsing Thammavong agreed to continue giving priority to reinforcing and expanding the Vietnam-Laos special relationship, during their meeting in Hanoi on March 16.
Lao PM Thongsing Thammavong is on a working visit to Vietnam to attend a ceremony reviewing the implementation of the project to increase and upgrade border markers along the Vietnam-Laos boundary.
The two officials highlighted crucial outcomes reached in implementing cooperation agreements between the two Governments over the last five years, saying that these contributed to extensively promoting the traditional friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between the countries.
They agreed to advance the implementation of agreements reached at the 38 th meeting of the Vietnam-Laos Intergovernmental Committee last year, and enhance the exchange of delegations and links among the two sides’ localities.
They will work closely in implementing bilateral and border trade agreements towards lifting two-way trade to 3 billion USD in 2020. Connections in transport and education-training will also be fostered further.
The host and guest expressed their joy at the successful completion of the project of increasing and upgrading the border marker system, agreeing to step up communication campaigns and implement agreements that were signed at the review meeting, contributing to building a peaceful and stable borderline between the two nations.
They also reached a consensus on strengthened coordination between the two nations as Laos holds the chairmanship of ASEAN in 2016, to foster connectivity within the ASEAN Community, and promote the bloc’s central role in regional strategic issues, including the East Sea issue.
The same day, President Truong Tan Sang also hosted a reception for the Lao guest, during which they agreed on measures to build a peaceful and friendly borderline between Vietnam and Laos.
He also expressed his hopes Laos will do well in its responsibility as ASEAN Chair in 2016.
For his part, Thongsing Thammavong affirmed that the project to increase and upgrade border markers along the Vietnam-Laos boundary will lay a foundation for ensuring peace, friendship and cooperation along the common border.
The Lao Government will do its utmost to bring further prosperity to the people of both countries, especially those living along border areas, he stressed.-VNA
