The official visit by Lao Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith from October 1-3 has further boosted the traditional friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Laos. 

During the visit, the two sides have offered measures to promote signed cooperation documents and strengthen investment between the two countries.

Vietnam and Laos boast a long-standing special solidarity and faithful relationship nurtured by late Presidents Ho Chi Minh, Kaysone Phomvihane and Souphanouvong, and generations of the two countries’ leaders and peoples.

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc and his Lao counterpart Thongloun Sisoulith review the honor guard of the Vietnam People’s Army at the welcoming ceremony for the Lao leader. Photo: Thong Nhat/VNA Hanoi children welcome the two Prime Ministers. Photo: Thong Nhat/VNA En route to the Government Office. Photo: Thong Nhat/VNA  The two leaders at the Government Office. Photo: Thong Nhat/VNA  The two Prime Ministers hold talks. Photo: Thong Nhat/VNA Party General Secretary and President Nguyen Phu Trong receives the Lao Prime Minister. Photo: Tri Dung/VNA National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan receives Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith. Photo: Trong Duc/VNA

Progress has been recorded in bilateral relations in economy, culture, education and training, and science and technology.

Trade between Vietnam and Laos topped over 1 billion US dollars in 2018 and reached 748 million US dollars in the first eight months of 2019, up 14.2% year on year. The new trade agreement and the cross-border trade deal are being implemented actively with the aim of sustaining the annual trade growth rate at 10% at least.

Vietnam remains the third largest foreign investor in Laos. According to the Lao Ministry of Planning and Investment, by June 2019, Vietnamese businesses had registered 4.22 billion US dollars in 411 projects in Laos, mainly on hydropower, mining, services, agriculture and telecom.

Cooperation in education and training and culture has received major attention. The two sides have effectively implemented the project on improving the quality and effectiveness of bilateral ties in education and human resources development for 2011- 2020.

In 2018, Vietnam provided 1,271 scholarships for Laos, 271 more than the number decided by the two governments, and Laos gave 60 scholarships to Vietnam. There are 14,656 Lao students in Vietnam, and 260 Vietnamese students in Laos at present.

The two sides have created more favorable conditions for the Vietnamese and Lao communities in the other country. Associations of Vietnamese people have been set up in 12 of the 18 provinces and cities of Laos.

The two leaders witness the signing of a protocol amending the agreement between the two governments on the project to build the Lao National Assembly House. Photo: Thong Nhat/VNA They witness the signing of a plan on bilateral cooperation in education and human resource development during 2021-2030. Photo: Thong Nhat/VNA The signing of an MoU on civil aviation development between Vietjet Air and Lao Ministry of Public Works and Transport. Photo: Thong Nhat/VNA The two leaders witness the signing of an MoU on developing the strategy for economic, cultural, educational, scientific and technological cooperation during 2021-2030, and an agreement on Vietnam-Laos cooperation in 2021-2025. Photo: Thong Nhat/VNA  The signing of an MoU between the two Ministries of Finance on a loan for the construction of border transport infrastructure. Photo: Thong Nhat/VNA  The Lao Prime Minister pays tribute to late President Ho Chi Minh at his mausoleum. Photo: Lam Khanh/VNA The Lao leader visits a hi-tech agricultural model in Da Nang. Photo: Quoc Dung/VNA

The countries have also coordinated closely and supported each other at regional and international forums. They have further enhanced cooperation with each other and other ASEAN members in building the ASEAN Community and maintaining the bloc’s solidarity and consensus in the strategic issues of the region, including the East Sea issue.

Laos strongly supported Vietnam’s bid for a non-permanent seat in the UN Security Council and holding of the ASEAN Chairmanship in 2020.

Both have coordinated closely with other nations and relevant international organizations to manage and use the Mekong River’s water resources in a sustainable and effective manner.

 

Story: VNP - Photos: VNA