Parliamentary cooperation a key pillar of Vietnam-Laos relations
VOV.VN - Vietnam and Laos will strengthen cooperation between their legislative bodies, focusing on improving legal frameworks, enhancing oversight of high-level agreements and promoting digital transformation in parliamentary activities.
The commitment was made during talks between Vietnamese National Assembly President Tran Thanh Man and visiting Lao National Assembly President Sonesay Siphandone in Hanoi on November 3.
National Assembly President Man welcomed National Assembly President Sonesay on his first official overseas visit in his new capacity, describing it as a reflection of the special bonds and political trust between the two Parties, States and legislatures.
He reaffirmed Vietnam’s consistent priority of preserving and strengthening its great friendship, special solidarity, comprehensive cooperation and strategic cohesion with Laos.
The Lao National Assembly President expressed appreciation for Vietnam’s support throughout Laos’ national liberation struggle and its ongoing development, while voicing confidence in Vietnam’s continued rapid and sustainable development.
Strengthening legislative cooperation
Both leaders agreed that parliamentary cooperation plays an important role in the broader Vietnam-Laos relationship by providing a legal foundation for bilateral agreements, overseeing their implementation and translating high-level commitments into practical outcomes.
They spoke highly of cooperation between the two legislatures in recent years, particularly exchanges of delegations and experience in lawmaking, oversight and decisions on major national issues, as well as coordination at regional and international parliamentary forums.
The two sides agreed to step up the exchange of experience in developing and improving legal systems, organising state institutions and operating local administrations. They also pledged closer oversight of high-level agreements and key bilateral programmes and projects.
Digital transformation, the development of e-parliaments and the application of new technologies in parliamentary activities were identified as further areas for cooperation.
The two National Assemblies will review their cooperation agreement signed in May 2022 and update its contents to reflect development requirements in the new period, with a view to considering its signing in 2027.
Promoting economic and regional cooperation
The two leaders underscored the need for their legislatures to work alongside the two governments in implementing signed agreements and creating stronger momentum for economic, trade and investment cooperation, in line with the potential of their special political relationship.
They agreed to facilitate investment and business activities by enterprises from both countries and promptly address difficulties arising in joint projects, particularly those of strategic importance to economic connectivity.
Other priorities include education and training, human resource development, science and technology, healthcare, culture and people-to-people exchanges. Both sides also highlighted the importance of continuing to train Lao officials and students in Vietnam, helping reinforce the social foundations of bilateral ties.
The two National Assemblies will also maintain close coordination at regional and international parliamentary forums, including the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) and the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), while exchanging information and consulting on issues of shared concern.
They also agreed to coordinate preparations for activities marking the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations and the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Vietnam-Laos Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation in 2027.
Both host and guest expressed confidence that the visit would provide fresh impetus for deeper and more effective cooperation between the two legislatures. NA President Sonesay Siphandone invited NA President Tran Thanh Man to pay an official visit to Laos at a mutually convenient time.
Following the talks, NA President Sonesay and his delegation attended a session of the second sitting of Vietnam’s National Assembly.
Lao National Assembly President welcomed in Hanoi on official visit
VOV.VN - Vietnamese National Assembly President Tran Thanh Man and his spouse hosted a welcoming ceremony in Hanoi on November 3 for Lao National Assembly President Sonexay Siphandone and his spouse, who are on a three-day official visit to Vietnam.
