Vientiane (VNA) – General Director of the Vietnam News Agency (VNA) Vu Viet Trang and General Director of the Lao News Agency (KPL) Vannasin Simmavong signed a memorandum of understanding on bilateral cooperation for the upcoming period, following their talks in Vientiane on November 20.
At their talks, Trang, who is on a working visit to Laos from November 19-21, congratulated KPL on successfully fulfilling its mission of providing media coverage of Laos' 2024 ASEAN Chairmanship Year, thereby contributing to enhancing the country’s image and role in the region.
On behalf of Laos, Vannasin Simmavong commended VNA's resident correspondents in Vientiane for their dedication in performing their tasks and for serving as a bridge to strengthen the Laos-Vietnam relationship. He also appreciated their close collaboration and consistent support for KPL colleagues.
The two agencies agreed to intensify professional collaboration, particularly in the sharing information in both text and photo forms so as to expand coverage across key areas such as politics, diplomacy, economy, culture and society. This exchange aims to further enhance the special friendship, solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between the two countries.
KPL committed to supporting VNA in distributing the Lao-language edition of its Vietnam Pictorial to a broader Lao audience, and continuing the promotion of VNA’s online platforms, such as Vietnam Pictorial and VietnamPlus, on its digital channels.
Additionally, KPL will continue to assist VNA’s Vientiane bureau with operational activities and provide guidance on press procedures in Laos.
In celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Lao National Day (December 2, 1975 –2025), both agencies agreed to jointly develop a comprehensive communication plan. This includes organising photo exhibitions in Laos and publishing detailed reports on Laos’ achievements and the enduring Laos-Vietnam relationship.
The two sides also agreed to coordinate communication activities for several significant milestones, including the 95th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of Vietnam (February 3, 1930 – 2025), the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of Southern Vietnam and National Reunification (April 30, 1975 –2025) and the 80th anniversary of Vietnam’s National Day (September 2, 1945 –2025).
They vowed to consider producing a special news series on their unique relationship to mark the 80th anniversary of VNA’s traditional day (September 15, 1945 –2025).
In the field of technical operations, they agreed to enhance the exchange of governance and operational models for media organisations in the digital age. They agreed to hold online discussions on professional and technical topics and explore the possibility of VNA sending personnel to assist in inspecting KPL’s technical systems.
The two sides pledged to maintain close collaboration and mutual support at multilateral journalism forums such as the Organisation of Asia-Pacific News Agencies (OANA), while proposing relevant ministries and agencies in both countries to incorporate suitable cooperative activities into the bilateral programmes of the Vietnam-Laos Intergovernmental Committee.
On this occasion, the VNA General Director presented KPL with technical equipment and computers to support news production and enhance image quality./.
