Permanent Deputy Prime Minister Truong Hoa Binh has assured Lao Deputy Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone that the Vietnamese Party, State and government always give top priority to developing special ties with Laos. 

Permanent Deputy Prime Minister Truong Hoa Binh (R) and Lao Deputy Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone

During the talks in Hanoi on October 23, Binh suggested the two sides effectively realise agreements reached by their leaders and the outcomes of the 39th meeting of the Vietnam-Laos Inter-Governmental Commission. 

He asked for reviewing bilateral coordination in 2017, proposing breakthrough measures to improve efficiency of cooperation for 2018 and accelerating the implementation of the Vietnam-Laos cooperation agreement for 2016-2020. 

The two nations should devise steps to enhance partnership across politics, national defence-security, economy, trade, investment, transport and tourism, he said, adding that Vietnam is ready to share experience with Laos in stabilising macro-economy, increasing investment, boosting tourism and manufacturing in combination with rural development.

Sonexay Siphandon, who is in Vietnam from October 23-29, vowed to do his best to foster traditional friendship and special solidarity between the two nations. 

He agreed that the two economies need to increase connectivity in terms of trade, investment and transport.

He expressed his wish that Vietnam will share its experience in management, macro-economic development programmes, and manufacturing models in combination with tourism and agricultural development in rural areas. 

Both sides agreed to jointly celebrate the Vietnam-Laos Year of Solidarity and Friendship 2017, including preparing for the upcoming Vietnam visit by Lao Party General Secretary and President Bounnhang Volachith and educating young generations of the two countries on the Vietnam-Laos special solidarity.

VNA