Vietnamese, Cambodian NA strengthen ties


A delegation from the Vietnamese National Assembly (NA) Office, led by its head Tran Dinh Dan, concluded a four-day visit to Cambodia on April 5.

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The visit was aimed at carrying out a NA-funded VND23 billion project to help Cambodia National Assembly to build information technology infrastructure which was approved in 2010. It was also expected to open up opportunities for cooperation between the Vietnamese NA Office and the Cambodian NA Secretariat.

On April 4, the delegation met with Cambodian NA Chairman Heng Samrin who said he was delighted at the development of Cambodia-Vietnam relationships, especially in economics, trade, investment, and tourism.

Mr. Heng Samrin also expressed thanks to the Vietnamese Party, State, and People for helping Cambodia escape from the genocide and develop the country.

He called on the Cambodian and Vietnamese National Assemblies to strengthen ties for their people’s interest of their people.

Mr. Dan pledged to promote cooperation with the Cambodian NA Secretariat and assist the Cambodian NA with personnel training.

He also expressed his hope that the Cambodian NA will successfully organize the 32nd ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA 32) in September.


US defence official visits Viet Nam


Deputy Defence Minister, Lieutenant General Nguyen Chi Vinh yesterday, April 5, received the US Acting Deputy Assistant Defence Secretary for POW/MIA (Prisoners of War/ Missing in Action), Robert Newberry, who is on a working visit to Viet Nam.

Vinh welcomed Newberry's visit and affirmed that Vietnamese agencies and localities had actively implemented MIA activities with good results. These actions manifested Viet Nam's humanitarian and co-operative goodwill on MIA issues and other issues of mutual concern.

He said he hoped that the two countries' MIA agencies would boost MIA activities, thereby contributing to strengthening multilateral co-operation between Viet Nam and the US.

The guest spoke highly of the Vietnamese Government's support on MIA issues over past years and expressed his hope that the Vietnamese Defence Ministry and relevant agencies would continue to facilitate the US in MIA activities to meet the demand of the American MIA families and bolster co-operation.

At the meeting, Newberry presented the Defence Ministry with items of former Vietnamese soldiers, which had been taken by US servicemen during the war.


Lao PM receives delegation from Vietnamese province


Laos will create favourable conditions for businesses from Vietnam’s province of Nghe An to invest in Laos in all fields.

This commitment was made by Lao Prime Minister Thongsing Thammavong in Vientiane on April 5 during his reception for a senior delegation from Nghe An province, headed by Phan Dinh Trac, Secretary of the provincial party branch.

Mr Thammavong highlighted the significance of Vietnamese investment in upgrading the road through the Thanh Thuy-Namon border gate between the two countries, which can help reduce the distance between Nghe An and Vientiane for trade.

During the meeting, the Lao leader also said he welcomed and highly appreciated the visit, which contributes to strengthening friendship and promoting trade between Laos and Vietnamese border provinces.

Nghe An province is twinned with Houphan, Xiangkhouang, and Bolikhamxay provinces in Laos.

For the past few years, Nghe An has proposed effective investment cooperation with Laos in many fields, particularly traffic, infrastructure and human resources training.


Vietnam confers Gold Star Order on Lao security forces


The Lao security forces held a ceremony on April 5 to mark their 50th anniversary (April 5, 1961 – April 5, 2011).

At the ceremony, Lao Minister of Security, Dr Thong Banh Sengaphone reviewed the construction and development of the Lao security forces, which have contributed greatly to maintaining security and order, and fighting against hostile forces and different kinds of criminals and protect the Party, authorities and people.  

Addressing the meeting, Chummaly Sayasone, General Secretary of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party (LPRP) and Laos State President emphasized comprehensive cooperation with Vietnam and fostering special hnourable relations between the two security forces.

He added that focus should be given to strengthening cooperation with Vietnam’s public security and people, highlighting the enthusiastic support from other nations in the world to work towards further progress.

On behalf of the Vietnamese Party and State, General Le Hong Anh, Politburo member, Minister of Public Security conferred a Gold Star Order on Lao’s security forces in recognition of its contribution to the development of the special friendship and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Laos.

On the occasion, Lao security forces were also awarded the National Gold Order - the highest Order of the Lao Party and State.


VNN/VOV/VNS