Lao Deputy Prime Minister Sonesay Siphandone welcomed Vietnamese Minister of Information and Communications (MIC) Truong Minh Tuan in Vientiane on November 1.

Lao Deputy Prime Minister Sonesay Siphandone welcomes Vietnamese Minister of Information and Communications (MIC) Truong Minh Tuan

Tuan affirmed that Vietnam has been highly aware of the significance of the traditional friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Laos, adding that Vietnamese sectors and ministries have always worked hard to deepen bilateral ties in all fields, including information and communications.

Briefing the Deputy PM on the outcomes of his Laos visit, Tuan said that the Ministry of Information and Communications (MIC) will work with the Lao side to organise an exhibition of books, photos and media publications on the Vietnam-Laos relations in 2017, and an information and communications technology (ICT) forum.

The MIC will also sign cooperation deals with the Ministry of Post and Telecommunications and the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism of Laos to support Vietnamese firms in expanding business and investment in the field of ICT in Laos.

He noted that over the past years, ICT cooperation between the two countries has been fruitful. Along with sharing experience in designing policies on ICT management, the two sides have coordinated closely in popularising the achievements of each country, organising exhibitions and training courses for reporters and editors, and exchanging media publications, Tuan elaborated.

Vietnam has provided official development assistance (ODA) to Laos to develop radio and television stations, while supporting Vietnamese businesses to expand investment in Laos, he added.

Tuan also took this occasion to thank the Lao Government for supporting cooperation activities between the two countries in ICT, expressed his hope that Laos will continue to do so in the future.

Deputy PM Sonesay Siphandone thanked the MIC for assisting the Lao Ministry of Post and Telecommunications over the past years, especially in personnel training, technical and equipment aid.

He hoped that the two ministries will continue working closely together, sharing experience for better performance and fighting hostile force’s arguments aiming to undermine special ties between Vietnam and Laos.

Earlier the same day, Minister Truong Minh Tuan and Lao Minister of Post and Telecommunications Thansamay Kommasith held talks and co-chaired the first meeting of the Joint Working Group on ICT Cooperation. 

Tuan also paid a courtesy call on Kikeo Khaykhamphithoun, Secretary of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party Central Committee and head of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party Central Committee’s Commission for Information and Education.-VNA