Vietnamese and Laos diplomats at the United Nations and other international organisations in Geneva, Switzerland, engaged in a meeting to enhance their ties on February 17.

Vietnamese Ambassador Duong Chi Dung (R) and Lao Ambassador Khan-Inh Khitchadeth

Ambassador Duong Chi Dung, Head of Vietnam’s Permanent Mission to the UN and other international organisations briefed the recent significant achievements in the traditional, special friendship between Vietnam and Laos in politics, security, socio-economic development, education, and people-to-people exchange.

He underlined the recent visit of the Lao Prime Minister to Vietnam, saying that the delegation was the first visiting Vietnam after the Lunar New Year (Tet) festival.

He congratulated Laos on its success in the role of the ASEAN Chair in 2016, affirming that the special relationship between Vietnam and Laos, particularly between the two missions, will continuously be reflected in multilateral forums.

Dung expressed his hope that the two missions will maintain and build on the positive outcomes to promote exchanges between their staff.

For his part, Ambassador Khan-Inh Khitchadeth, who led the Laos delegation, congratulated Vietnam on its completed 2014-2016 term at the UN Human Rights Council.

He expressed his hope that the two missions will tighten their cooperation in Geneva.

Vietnam, Laos promote people-to-people exchanges

Vice President of Laos Phankham Viphavan (R) recevies Chairman of the Vietnam – Laos Friendship Association Tran Van Tuy

The increasing people-to-people exchanges will help Vietnamese and Lao young generations understand deeply about the special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between the two countries.

Vice President of Laos Phankham Viphavan and Head of the Lao Party Central Committee’s Commission for External Relations Sounthone Sayachak made the remarks at separate receptions for Chairman of the Vietnam – Laos Friendship Association Tran Van Tuy in Vientiane on Frebuary 17.

Tuy said his association will serve as a bridge to connect the two peoples, particularly youngsters, to preserve and develop the bilateral long-standing relationship.

Earlier the same day, the Vietnamese official held talks with Chairman of the Laos – Vietnam Friendship Association Vilayvong Bouddakham, during which the two sides discussed programmes to celebrate the 55th founding anniversary of Vietnam – Laos diplomatic ties and 40th anniversary of signing Vietnam – Laos Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in 2017.

Both chairmen agreed to host the fourth people-to-people friendship festival in Xiangkhoang and Houaphanh provinces in Laos, and launch a special publication highlighting the two countries’ friendship in Vietnamese and Lao, particularly the important milestones in the bilateral relations in economics, culture and education over the past 55 years.

VNA