Vietnam’s senior officials visit Laos to attend celebrations of diplomatic ties anniversary

Politburo member and permanent member of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee's Secretariat Vo Van Thuong (left) was received by General Secretary of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party (LPRP) Central Committee and President of Laos Thongloun Sisoulith. (Photo: VNA) 

Vientiane (VNA) – Politburo member and permanent memberof the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee’s Secretariat Vo Van Thuong and a high-ranking Party and Statedelegation have been on a visit to Laos to attend the celebrations of the 60th anniversary of the two countries’ diplomatic relations (September 5, 1962 –2022) and the 45th year of the singing of the bilateral Treaty ofAmity and Cooperation (July 18, 1977 – 2022).

The Vietnamese officials were received separately on July 17 by General Secretary ofthe Lao People’s Revolutionary Party (LPRP) Central Committee and President ofLaos Thongloun Sisoulith, Prime Minister Phankham Viphavanh and President ofthe Lao National Assembly Xaysomphone Phomvihane in Vientiane.

During the meetings, Thuong highlighted the significance ofthe establishment of the Vietnam-Laos diplomatic ties 60 years ago and thesigning of the treaty 45 years ago, which marked milestones in the history ofthe relations between the two Parties and States.

Thanking Laos for consistently providing support for Vietnam,he expressed his delight at the steady growth of the special ties between the twonations, contributing to maintaining political stability and socio-economicdevelopment in each country and heightening their international status.

Vo Van Thuong (left) is hosted by Prime Minister Phankham Viphavanh. (Photo: VNA)

He proposed both sides direct their concerned ministriesand local administrations to actively coordinate in implementing agreementssigned by leaders of the two Parties, Governments and National Assemblies; deepenthe political ties; and successfully organise visits by the two countries' leadersand activities marking the Year of Solidarity and Friendship 2022.

He also suggested the two sides further share experience inParty building, socio-economic development and international integration; closelycooperate in defence, security and external affairs; and together addressissues hampering the effectiveness of the bilateral economic partnership.

Echoing Thuong’s view, the Lao leaders also said they arehappy to see the bilateral ties expanding in various areas, bringing practicalbenefits to people of both nations.

Vo Van Thuong (left) pays a courtesy call to President of the Lao National Assembly Xaysomphone Phomvihane. (Photo: VNA)

They emphasised the long-standing tradition and theimportance of the Vietnam-Laos relationship, saying it remains the valuable asset of both peoples and a rule for the existence and development ofeach country.

They pledged to do their utmost to nurture and promote theties and asked the two sides to closely work together to effectively enforcehigh-level agreements, including the strategy for cooperation in the 2021 – 2030 period,the 2021 – 2025 cooperation agreement and a plan for cooperation between thetwo governments for 2022.

Later the same day, Thuong and his entourage paid a courtesy visit to former General Secretary of the LPRP and President Choummaly Xayasone andattended the opening of an exhibition on the Vietnam-Laos relations./.

VNA