Vietnam, Laos vow to preserve special solidarity forever

Vietnamese and Lao party chiefs vowed to maintain forever their bilateral traditional relations fostered by various generations of leaders and develop it further in the future during talks in Hanoi on Apr. 23.

Vietnamese and Lao party chiefs vowed to maintain forever their bilateral traditional relations fostered by various generations of leaders and develop it further in the future during talks in Hanoi on Apr. 23.

The relationship the two nations have is a priceless mutual asset, stated the Vietnamese Party’s General Secretary Nong Duc Manh and General Secretary of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party and State President Choummaly Sayasone.

Vietnamese Party’s General Secretary Nong Duc Manh(R) receives General Secretary of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party and State President Choummaly Sayasone (Photo: SGGP)
Vietnamese Party’s General Secretary Nong Duc Manh(R) receives General Secretary of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party and State President Choummaly Sayasone (Photo: SGGP)

They were of the view that the traditional ties have helped to guide both countries on the road to development and contribute decisively to national construction and defence of each country.

The two leaders are extremely proud of the special solidarity between the two parties, states and peoples and expressed their joy at the quality and effectiveness of the two countries’ comprehensive cooperation.

They unanimously agreed on major ways forward and measures to bring bilateral comprehensive cooperation to a new height, including intensifying political ties by holding regular high-level meetings and contact and boosting Party renewal and building work, while continuing to work together to compliment the history of Vietnam and Laos special relationship.

They also acknowledged the need to promote exchanges and education about the special solidarity between the two countries, enhance joint security and defence initiatives and maintain social order, as well as continuing to turn the Vietnam-Laos border into the one of peace, friendship, cooperation, and long-term sustainable development.

Both party leaders pointed to the necessity of expanding practical and effective cooperation between all ministries, sectors, localities and businesses.

The other measures the leaders discussed included working together to build a strategy for cooperation during the 2011-2020 period, accelerating educational and training links and jointly holding both countries’ major festivals in 2009 and 2010.

They said they were delighted with the two countries’ cooperation and mutual assistance in foreign affairs and agreed to continue with information exchanges and collaboration in international and regional issues.  They will also liaise in multilateral organisations and forums, such as the UN, ASEAN, ASEAN+1, ASEAN+3, IPA, the Non-Aligned Movement, the Francophone network and the Vietnam-Laos-Cambodia Development Triangle.

Party General Secretary Manh said that Vietnam supports Laos’ holding of the 25th SEA Games and will share with its neighbour its own experiences in holding the event as well as those regarding international economic integration.

During their talks, the two leaders also discussed regional and international issues of mutual concern.

Following the talks, both leaders witnessed the signing of a series of cooperation agreements between the two countries.

These included an agreement to facilitate cross border travelling, an agreement on civil aviation, an agreement on food safety and hygiene and animal and plant quarantine and a deal to explore salt in Savanakhet.

Later in the day, Laos’ Party chief and President Choummaly Sayasone met with Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung.

PM Dung laid the emphasis on the strategic significance of Vietnam and Laos comprehensive cooperation in the current regional and international circumstances, describing it as an important contribution to both countries’ efforts to maintain independence and retain political stability, promote socio-economic and cultural development, heighten their international standing and contribute to peace, stability, cooperation and development in the region and the world at large.

For his part, the Lao leader expressed his joy at visiting Vietnam and affirmed that the Laos-Vietnam special friendship is of vital significance to both countries.

The two leaders were happy with the fact that Vietnam was the biggest investor in Laos in 2008 and the two countries have joined hands effectively in hydro-electric power plants, road construction, the plantation of industrial crops and mining, thus bringing practical benefits to both peoples.

They agreed to carry out high-level agreements, work closer together, promptly remove difficulties and hindrances facing ministries, branches, localities and the business community.

The same day, the Lao leader paid a visit to former Vietnamese Party General Secretary Do Muoi.

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