Politburo member and National Assembly Vice Chairwoman Tong Thi Phong has  visited Laos to attend activities to mark the 55th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties and 40 years of the signing of the Vietnam-Laos Treaty of Amity and Cooperation.

Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith (R) welcomesNational Assembly Vice Chairwoman Tong Thi Phong

On July 17, the Vietnamese official was received by Lao Party General Secretary and President Bounnhang Volachith, Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith and National Assembly Chairwoman Pany Yathotou.

At the meetings, Phong congratulated Laos on great achievements that the country has gained over the past years, especially after more than one year of implementing the resolution of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party (LPRP)’s 10th Congress.

She expressed her belief that under the leadership of the LPRP, Laos will reap more successes in its reform process.

She thanked the Lao side for supporting Vietnam during the past struggle for independence and the current national construction, while briefing the hosts on her country’s current situation.

She suggested that both sides effectively direct ministries, sectors and localities to actively coordinate with each other to realise agreements reached by their high-ranking leaders, thus fostering bilateral political ties. They should also share experience in Party and political system building, socio-economic development and international integration.

The two sides need to work closely together in defence-security and external relations, continue removing obstacles to improve the effectiveness of bilateral economic, trade and investment cooperation, she said.

The Lao leaders said that the Vietnamese delegation’s visit to attend the celebration of special events of both countries shows the special solidarity between Vietnam and Laos.

They said Vietnam’s attainments gained after one year of implementing the resolution of the 12th Party Congress are great encouragements for Laos, while showing gratitude to Vietnam’s assistance for Laos through history.

They spoke highly of the two sides’ close coordination in carrying out agreements reached by their Parties and governments.

Both hosts and guests expressed their pleasure at the growing and effective special solidarity and comprehensive partnership between Vietnam and Laos in all fields, which benefits their people and contributes to peace, stability, cooperation and development in Southeast Asia and the world.

The two sides also reiterated their determination to stand side by side in preserving, fostering and developing the Vietnam-Laos special solidarity and passing it to younger generations.

Defence ties key to Vietnam – Laos cooperation

Luong Cuong, head of the General Department of Politics of the Vietnam People’s Army 

Defence cooperation is an importance pillar in Vietnam-Laos relations, stated Luong Cuong, head of the General Department of Politics of the Vietnam People’s Army.

He made the remark while visiting the Laos Embassy in Hanoi on July 17.

The two armies’ fine connection would consolidate mutual trust and comprehensive partnership between the two countries’ Parties, governments and people, he added.

Speaking highly of the thriving bilateral ties in all fields, Cuong stressed the significant meaning of the Vietnam-Laos Solidarity and Friendship Year 2017, the 55th diplomatic relations anniversary (September 5) and 44 years of the signing of the Vietnam-Laos Treaty of Amity and Cooperation (July 18).

Lao Ambassador to Vietnam Thongsavanh Phomvihane highlighted Laos’ commitment to deepening the special friendship with Vietnam, adding that this year offers a chance for the two countries’ people, particularly younger generations, to learn more about the bilateral engagements over times.

He thanked the assistance the Vietnam People’s Army has provided for its Lao counterpart in the past struggle for national liberation as well as the current development.

He said he wants to work closer with the Vietnamese Defence Ministry to contribute to enhanceing bilateral relations.

Vietnamese, Lao leaders exchange anniversary congratulations

High-ranking leaders of Vietnam and Laos on July 17 exchanged messages of congratulations on the occasion of the 55th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties (September 5) and 40 years of the signing of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation between the two countries (July 18). 

The well-wishers are Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, President Tran Dai Quang, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc and National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan whose flower baskets and congratulatory messages were sent to Laos’ Party General Secretary and President Bounhang Volachith, Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith and NA Chairwoman Pany Yathotou. 

In their messages, the Vietnamese leaders expressed their satisfaction with achievements of the bilateral friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation over the past 55 years, which, they said, have significantly contributed to the struggle for national independence as well as the cause of national building and development in each country. 

The Parties, States and people of Vietnam and Laos have made every effort to deepen the relationship across all fields in an effective and pragmatic fashion, both bilaterally and multilaterally, through diverse cooperation methods and the channels of the Party, State and people, they said.

In messages sent to the Vietnamese leaders, the Lao leaders highlighted the friendship, solidarity and combat alliance between the two countries during their past revolutionary cause, which have created a firm foundation for the present friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive. 

On this occasion, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh, who is also head of the national steering committee for Vietnam-Laos friendship year, and Lao Foreign Minister Saleumxay Komasith, who is a permanent member of Laos’ national steering committee for Vietnam-Laos friendship year, exchanged congratulatory messages. 

Hoang Binh Quan, head of the Party Central Committee’s Commission for External Relations, also cabled a message of congratulations to his Lao counterpart Sounthone Sayachac.

VNA