State President’s Laos visit yields positive results, says FM
VOV.VN - The official visit to Laos on April 10-11 by State President Vo Van Thuong has achieved positive results, according to Foreign Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son.
This is President Thuong’s first overseas visit in his new position, demonstrating Vietnam’s consistent policy of always attaching importance to and giving the highest priority to the great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Laos, Son said after the Vietnamese delegation concluded the Laos visit.
The two sides affirmed their determination to constantly strengthen and further develop the special solidarity relationship between Vietnam and Laos, as well as the close and trusting relationship at the highest level between the two countries’ senior leaders in particular, he said.
Leaders of the two countries highly agreed on measures to continue effectively implementing high-level agreements reached by the two Parties and States, giving fresh impetus to the Vietnam-Laos cooperation in future, especially in the fields of politics, defense, security, economy, education, culture, sports, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges, the minister added.
According to the diplomat, who accompanied the State President during the visit, the two sides agreed to step up education of the two countries’ people, especially the young generation, about the historical tradition of the special and close bond between Vietnam and Laos so that they will work together to constantly cultivate and maintain the unique, pure and faithful relationship between the two Parties and States.
While staying in Laos, President Thuong held talks with General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party, and President Thongloun Sisoulith, and meet with other senior Lao leaders, including the Prime Minister, Chairman of the National Assembly, and head of the Lao Front for National Construction.
During their talks and meetings, the Lao leaders affirmed that Laos prioritizes consolidating and strengthening the great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Laos, considering this an invaluable asset and a vital element to the revolutionary cause of each country.
Notably, President Thuong announced a special gift worth US$1 million from the Vietnamese Party, State and people to their Lao counterparts.
Leaders of the two countries also witnessed the signing of a cooperation agreement in the field of technology and innovation between the Ministry of Science and Technology of Vietnam and the Ministry of Technology and Communication of Laos, and a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in the field of science between the Ministry of Science and Technology of Vietnam and the Ministry of Education and Sports of Laos.
Vietnam and Laos established diplomatic relations in September 1962. Bilateral relations have developed considerably over the years through regular reciprocal visit exchanges.
Vietnam currently has 219 valid investment projects in Laos with a total registered capital of about US$4.3 billion, ranking third after China and Thailand.
Two-way trade turnover between the two countries reached nearly US$1.7 billion last year, an increase of more than 25% year on year.
In 2022, Vietnam granted 1,155 scholarships to Laos, while the latter also offered the former 60 scholarships. Currently 14,000 Lao students are studying at 160 educational institutions in Vietnam.
