Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc and Lao counterpart Thongloun Sisoulith meet at the 30th anniversary of ASEAN-RoK dialogue relations in the Republic of Korea in November 2019. (Photo: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) – Lao Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith is set to leada high-ranking delegation of the Lao government to visit Vietnam and co-chairthe 42nd meeting of the Vietnam – Laos Inter-Governmental Committee in Hanoifrom January 2-4.
The organisation of the meeting affirms both nations’ priority to promote theVietnam – Laos great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensivecooperation. Besides, it aims to promote mutual political trust, as well asform a channel to accelerate the implementation of high-level agreements,contributing to fostering the bilateral cooperation in the time ahead.
Vietnam – Laos special solidarity
Vietnamand Laos boast a long-standing special solidarity and faithful relationshipnurtured by late Presidents Ho Chi Minh, Kaysone Phomvihane and Souphanouvong,and generations of the two countries’ leaders and people.
Overthe past years, the two sides have been unceasingly consolidating and developingthe great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation betweenthe two Parties, States and peoples, considering these as important factors ofthe success of each country’s national development and defence.
Bilateralpolitical and diplomatic ties have continued to be reinforced, as seen throughmutual visits at all levels. By the end of August, the countries had exchangedmore than 120 delegations, about 60 of which were at the deputy ministerial orhigher levels. Both sides sucessfully organised the 41st meetingof the inter-governmental committee co-chaired by the two prime ministers.
Cooperationin defence, security and diplomacy has continued to record new development. Thetwo countries have actively implemented the five-year cooperation protocol andannual defence – security cooperation plans, helping to ensure politicalstability, security and social order and safety in each nation. They have alsoeffectively carried out the agreement on border regulations and the one onsettling irregular migration and undocumented marriage in their border areas.
Additionally,both sides have continued working together to search for and repatriate theremains of Vietnam’s volunteer soldiers and experts who laid down their livesin Laos during wartime. The two sides are accelerating the implementation ofthe second phase of the project on the construction of the Vietnam-Laos combatalliance monument in the Lao province of Xaysomboun.
Thecountries have also coordinated closely and supported each other at regionaland international forums. They have further enhanced cooperation with eachother and other ASEAN members in building the ASEAN Community and maintainingthe bloc’s solidarity and consensus in the strategic issues of the region,including the East Sea issue.
Laosstrongly supported Vietnam’s bid for a non-permanent seat in the UN SecurityCouncil and holding of the ASEAN Chairmanship in 2020.
Bothhave coordinated closely with other nations and relevant internationalorganisations to manage and use the Mekong River’s water resources in asustainable and effective manner.
Fruitful cooperation in sectors
Vietnam and Laos have witnessed robust cooperation in economy, culture,education-training and science-technique in the past years.
Despite global economic downturn, they attained 940 million USD in two-waytrade during January-October of 2019, and the figure is projected to top 1.1 –1.2 billion USD for the whole year, surpassing the set target of 1 billion USD.
Vietnam remains the third largest foreign investor in Laos. Vietnamesebusinesses have to date invested 4.22 billion USD in 413 projects in Laos,mainly in hydropower, mining, services, agriculture and telecom.
Besides, Vietnam provides 3.25 trillion VND (140 million USD) in non-refundableaid for Laos each year during 2016-2020. From the outset of 2019, Vietnam sent300 tonnes of rice seedlings to Lao farmers to recover production after naturaldisasters.
Additionally, cooperation in education – training and culture has continued toreceive attention. The two sides have effectively implemented the project onimproving the quality and effectiveness of bilateral ties in education andhuman resources development for 2011 – 2020.
In 2018, Vietnam provided 1,271 scholarships for Laos, up 271 from the twogovernments’ decision, and Laos gave 60 scholarships to Vietnam. There are14,656 Lao students in Vietnam, which also has 260 students in Laos at present.
Vietnam has opened 24 short-term refresher courses for 497 Lao cadres in differentfields and sent teachers of Vietnamese language to 28 educationalestablishments across Laos.
Cultural exchange and tourism promotion activities have also been stepped up atall levels, helping to deepen mutual understanding between the two peoples.
Additionally, links between Vietnamese and Lao localities, especially theborder ones, have been further strengthened, including in infrastructurebuilding, health care, human resources development, and border securityensuring.
The two sides have created more favourable conditions for the Vietnamese andLao communities in the other country. Associations of Vietnamese people havebeen set up in 12 of the 18 provinces and cities of Laos so far./.
