Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc said the Vietnamese Party, Government, and people cherish the relationship with Laos, considering it a valuable asset in the two countries’ revolutionary cause.

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc (R) and Lao Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith (Photo: VGP)

The statement was made during a meeting with Lao Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith, who is on a five-day visit to Vietnam, starting on October 2.

At the meeting in Hanoi on October 2, PM Phuc expressed his appreciation for PM Sisoulith’s visit, especially with the two countries celebrating the Vietnam – Laos friendship year.

At the meeting, leaders of the two countries reviewed the implementation of cooperation agreements, bilateral investment and trade projects, and discussed solutions to challenges in order to meet their goals.

The two sides agreed to continue high-level exchanges and visits and realise the agreements achieved at the 39th meeting of the Vietnam – Laos intergovernmental committee in Hanoi earlier this year as well as the visits by Vietnamese high-level officials to Laos.

The two countries will focus on accelerating key projects like the Laos National Assembly building – a gift from Vietnam to Laos, the Hanoi – Vientiane expressway, Hon La oil and gas bonded warehouse and pipeline in the central province of Quang Binh, ports in the Vung Ang Port area, and several other energy and traffic connectivity projects.

The two Prime Ministers also concurred to increase trade turnover between the two countries, facilitate Vietnamese businesses investing in Laos, and to boost ties in defence and security as well as education and training.

With 2017 Vietnam – Laos friendship year, they agreed that the two countries will promote awareness programmes aiming to educate younger generations on the unique friendship between Laos and Vietnam.

VNA