Vietnam appeals for Laos to help resolve East Sea dispute

In a speech at the reception, President Quang said he considered the visit an important political event helping to deepen the special friendship and comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries.

He congratulated Mr Volachith on his new appointment as General Secretary of the LPRP and President and applauded the great social and economic achievements of Laos over the past three decades.

He underscored the point that the Vietnam government has in the past and always will continue to attach great importance to strengthening its cultural and economic ties with Laos.

President Quang reminded his guest that in 2017 the two countries will organize a string of activities marking the 55th anniversary of diplomatic ties and the 40th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty on Friendship and Cooperation.

Mr Quang emphasized his appreciation for the close and effective coordination between Laos and Vietnam at multilateral forums over recent years and affirmed the Vietnam government will support Laos after assuming the ASEAN Chair in 2016.

The State leader reiterated the Vietnam government’s stance on the East Sea issue and urged Laos to proactively help resolve the dispute as well as other pressing issues such as effectively managing and using Mekong water resources.

Host and guest also examined ways to augment future comprehensive cooperation and to implement high- level agreements reached at the 38th meeting of the Laos-Vietnam Joint Government Committee.

On the occasion, Mr Volachith invited President Quang and his wife to visit Laos in the near future and his invitation was graciously accepted.