(VOVWORLD) - Vietnam and Laos always treasure and give top priority to nurturing and consolidating their great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation.
 Party General Secretary and President of Laos Thongloun Sisoulith (L) and Vietnamese President Vo Van Thuong inspect the Guard of Honor in Vientiane, April 10, 2023. |
The affirmation was made during talks in Vientiane on Monday between Party General Secretary and President of Laos Thongloun Sisoulith and Vietnamese President Vo Van Thuong.
The two leaders agreed to increase visits at all levels, promote cooperation in national defense and security to jointly cope with new challenges, and tighten coordination for border control and protection, especially in the fight against transnational crimes, drug crimes, illegal exploitation of national resources, and illegal migration.
They also agreed to boost trade ties and mutual support in post-COVID recovery, upgrade international border gates and transport networks linking the two countries, and enhance cooperation in tourism, education, energy, clean agriculture, among other areas.
President Thuong announced a gift worth one million USD from the Party, State, and people of Vietnam to Laos.
 President Vo Van Thuong meets Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandon. (Photo: Thong Nhat/VNA) |
During a meeting the same day, President Thuong and Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandon agreed to accelerate the implementation of agreements between the two countries and promote exchanges and coordination on strategic issues relating to each country’s security and development.
Meeting with President of the Lao National Assembly Saysomphone Phomvihane, President Thuong said Vietnam is ready to help Laos organize important external activities including the first high-level meeting between the National Assemblies of Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam this year. The two leaders agreed to increase coordination and mutual support between Vietnam and Laos at international parliamentary forums.
On Monday, President Vo Van Thuong hosted a reception for President of the Lao Front for National Construction (LFNC) Central Committee Sinlavong Khoutphaythoune.
Mr. Thuong suggested that the LFNC Central Committee work closely with Vietnam to effectively realise cooperation agreements in areas such as mass mobilisation and religious and ethnic affairs, and raise public awareness of the tradition of Vietnam-Laos special relationship.
Mr. Khoutphaythoune said that he always remembers and is grateful for the valuable assistance that the Vietnamese Party, State and people offered to Laos in the past struggle for national liberation and the current national construction and development.
He vowed to raise awareness of Lao people, especially young generations, about the Laos-Vietnam special relations, and partner with Lao agencies to offer all possible support to the Vietnamese community in the country.