The Vietnamese and Lao Women’s Unions vowed to improve the effectiveness of their future cooperation activities during the high-ranking Lao women’s delegation visit to Vietnam.

At a meeting on March 25 in Hanoi, Nguyen Thi Thanh Hoa, Chairwoman of the Vietnam Women’s Union (VWU), and Sisay Ludetmounsone, Chairwoman of the Laos Women’s Union (LWU), discussed their general situations and recent activities of the two unions.

They mentioned policies and laws on gender equality and the role of women in poverty alleviation.

The two sides also shared experience in preparing for grassroots women’s congresses ahead of the National Women's Congress.

Hoa and Ludetmounsone assessed activities implemented under the cooperation agreement for 2012-2017 with the intent to ensure the efficiency of future activities.

At a ceremony the same day, on behalf of the Vietnamese Party and State, State Vice President Nguyen Thi Doan presented the Order of Independence – 1st Class for the LWU and the Order of Independence – Second Class to the LWU Chairwoman Ludetmounsone. The Vietnamese State also awarded the Order of Independence – Third Class and the Friendship Order to a number of LVU leaders.

On the occasion, the Lao State conferred the Order of Freedom – First Class to the VWU and the Order of Freedom – Second Class to the VWU Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Thanh Hoa. Several VWU officials were also presented with the Order of Freedom – Third Class and the Friendship Order of the Lao State.

During their stay until March 28, the Lao delegation is scheduled to hold a working session with the Vietnam Women Academy on education and training as well as visit and learn about a number of economic models in the northern provinces of Ha Nam and Quang Ninh. The delegation will also be received by Vietnamese Party and State leaders.-VNA