Vietnam – Laos special relationship grabs Lao headlines
VOV.VN - Laos’ People daily (Pasaxon) on June 25 highlighted the special relationship between Vietnam on the occasion of the June 28-30 visit to Vietnam by Thongloun Sisoulith, General Secretary of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party and State President.
This is Thongloun Sisoulith’s first Vietnam visit following his election as General Secretary of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party and State President at the 11th national congress of the ruling party held earlier this year.
Despite the complicated developments of the COVID-19 pandemic, the great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between Laos and Vietnam have developed substantially and effectively in all areas, said Pasaxon.
Politically, relations between the two Parties and States have been deepened, supporting stronger cooperation in other areas. Both countries have successfully organized their National Party Congresses and elections of deputies to the National Assemblies and local People’s Councils for the new terms.
The paper noted that defense – security cooperation is one of the concrete pillars of bilateral relations. Both sides have actively and effectively implemented the annual cooperation plan on defense and security, making an important contribution to maintaining political stability, security and social order in each country.
According to the daily, Vietnam is the third largest foreign investor in Laos with more than 400 projects capitalized at about US$4.2 billion. By October 2020, two-way trade value between Laos and Vietnam reached US$800 million.
Education and training cooperation has also proved fruitful over the years. Both countries are coordinating effectively in implementing a plan aimed at improving the quality and effectiveness of cooperation in education and human resource development. For the 2021 – 2022 academic year, Vietnam has pledged to grant 1,220 scholarships to Laos.
Cooperation between localities, especially those sharing borders, has been strengthened, especially in infrastructure construction, health care, human resource development and construction, ensuring security, social order and safety along the border areas.
In addition, Laos and Vietnam have regularly worked closely and supported each other at regional and international forums.
The Lao daily expressed his belief that Thongloun Sisoulith’s visit will be a great success to significantly contribute to the development of the great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between Laos and Vietnam, and to bring practical benefits to the two peoples.
