Politburo member and permanent member of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee's Secretariat Vo Van Thuong (left) was received by General Secretary of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party (LPRP) Central Committee and President of Laos Thongloun Sisoulith. (Photo: VNA)  

The Vietnamese officials were received separately on July 17 by General Secretary of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party (LPRP) Central Committee and President of Laos Thongloun Sisoulith, Prime Minister Phankham Viphavanh and President of the Lao National Assembly Xaysomphone Phomvihane in Vientiane.

 During the meetings, Thuong highlighted the significance of the establishment of the Viet Nam-Laos diplomatic ties 60 years ago and the signing of the treaty 45 years ago, which marked milestones in the history of the relations between the two Parties and States.

 Thanking Laos for consistently providing support for Viet Nam, he expressed his delight at the steady growth of the special ties between the two nations, contributing to maintaining political stability and socio-economic development in each country and heightening their international status.

He proposed both sides direct their concerned ministries and local administrations to actively coordinate in implementing agreements signed by leaders of the two Parties, Governments and National Assemblies; deepen the political ties; and successfully organise visits by the two countries' leaders and activities marking the Year of Solidarity and Friendship 2022.

 He also suggested the two sides further share experience in Party building, socio-economic development and international integration; closely cooperate in defence, security and external affairs; and together address issues hampering the effectiveness of the bilateral economic partnership.

 Echoing Thuong’s view, the Lao leaders also said they are happy to see the bilateral ties expanding in various areas, bringing practical benefits to people of both nations.

They emphasised the long-standing tradition and the importance of the Viet Nam-Laos relationship, saying it remains the valuable asset of both peoples and a rule for the existence and development of each country.

 They pledged to do their utmost to nurture and promote the ties and asked the two sides to closely work together to effectively enforce high-level agreements, including the strategy for cooperation in the 2021 – 2030 period, the 2021 – 2025 cooperation agreement and a plan for cooperation between the two governments for 2022.

 Later the same day, Thuong and his entourage paid a courtesy visit to former General Secretary of the LPRP and President Choummaly Xayasone and attended the opening of an exhibition on the Viet Nam-Laos relations./.