Vietnam, Laos beef up cooperation

National Assembly Chairman Nguyen Sinh Hung on Oct. 27 received Vice Chairman of the Lao National Assembly Saysomphone Phomvihane, who is on a working visit to Vietnam.

National Assembly Chairman Nguyen Sinh Hung on Oct. 27 received Vice Chairman of the Lao National Assembly Saysomphone Phomvihane, who is on a working visit to Vietnam.

NA Chairman Hung said he believed that the visit would contribute to boosting the special friendship between the two countries.

Vietnam’s National Assembly Chairman Nguyen Sinh Hung (R) greets Lao National Assembly Vice Chairman Saysomphone Phomvihane in Hanoi (Photo: Vietnam News Agency)
Vietnam’s National Assembly Chairman Nguyen Sinh Hung (R) greets Lao National Assembly Vice Chairman Saysomphone Phomvihane in Hanoi (Photo: Vietnam News Agency)

He expressed his unanimous support for the content of recent talks between the two countries’ Vice NA Chairmen, which, he said, manifested the close cooperation between the two legislative bodies.

The legislative leader asked the two National Assemblies to increase the exchange of delegations and work together to organise activities marking the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries and the 30th year of signing of the Vietnam-Laos Friendship and Cooperation Treaty in 2012.

Hung spoke highly of Laos’ position as host of the seventh Asia-Europe Parliamentary Partnership Meeting (ASEP-7) and the ninth Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM-9) in 2012, saying this would help the country heighten its position in the region and the world as well.

Vietnam is ready to assist Laos in organising the two events, the NA Chairman affirmed.

For his part, Saysomphone Phomvihane said the Party, State and people of Laos always remember the effective support of the Vietnamese Party, State and people.

He said his visit aims to realise the agreements reached by the two countries’ senior leaders, pledging that the delegation will make all-out efforts to contribute to the traditional friendship between the Parties, States and peoples.

Later in the day, Saysomphone Phomvihane was received by Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung, who said the Vietnam-Laos special relations are valuable asset of the two Parties and States.

Dung praised the achievements Laos has recorded during national construction and socio-economic development and expressed his pleasure at the comprehensive cooperation between the two countries.

The two governments are trying to implement cooperation agreement under the signed agreements while promoting new cooperation programmes, especially in economics, trade and investment, the PM said.

Saysomphone Phomvihane reiterated Laos’ consistent policy of attaching importance to and further boosting the special and comprehensive cooperation with Vietnam.

He said he hoped that Vietnam would share its experience in socio-economic development as well as in legislative operations.

Also on Oct. 27, Saysomphone Phomvihane had a working session with Chairman of the Vietnam NA’s Committee for External Relations Tran Van Hang, during which the two sides exchanged experience in ASEP-7 organisation.

Hang suggested Laos promptly build a clear roadmap for each stage and gather ideas as well as issues of interest to member countries, through consultation and discussion.

He underlined the need to mobilise the full participation of member countries and coordinate with the Foreign Ministry to put forward documents and contents suitable for the current situation, while paying bilateral official visits.

Saysomphone Phomvihane said he believed that the close ties between the two countries and two legislative bodies would be preserved and developed and expressed his hope of continued close cooperation with the Vietnam NA.

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