Vietnamese NA Chairman's official visit to contribute to bilateral friendship: Lao leader

Chairman of the Lao NA Saysomphone Phomvihane was speaking during an interview granted to Vietnam News Agency ahead of Hue's visit. 

Reviewing parliamentary cooperation in the recent past, he said the two NAs have been strengthening their traditional relations through the implementation of agreements and all-level mutual visits, as well as close coordination and mutual support at international and regional forums.

To continue bringing into play bilateral relations and cooperation, the two parliaments will press on with implementing their memorandum of understanding on cooperation and between the Lao NA’s Secretariat and the Vietnamese NA’s Office by increasing all-level delegation exchanges, supporting each other at regional and international parliamentary forums, working with the countries’ Party and Government agencies to organise celebrations during the Year of Solidarity and Friendship 2022, sharing experience, monitoring joint projects, and promoting partnerships in economy, trade and investment, according to Phomvihane.

The Lao leader went on to say that it is his honour to welcome Chairman Hue and the high-ranking delegation from Vietnam, which is the first official visit to Laos by Hue as Chairman of the Vietnamese NA and also the first by a foreign parliamentary leader to Laos since its 11th National Party Congress and the 9th tenure NA’s first session.

The visit takes place amid a number of important activities being held in the Solidarity and Friendship Year, he noted, adding that it is a particularly important diplomatic event and will greatly contribute to the great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between the two countries, as well as between their legislative bodies.

The leader held that despite the complex and unpredictable regional and international situation, bilateral relations have been developing unceasingly. The organisation of the Solidarity and Friendship Year is a vivid demonstration of their special ties and also an occasion to look back on the rare long-standing relations and educate people, especially the young, on bilateral connections.

As hostile and reactionary forces are still seeking ruses to drive a wedge between Laos and Vietnam, the countries’ Parties, States and people need to educate younger generations on their responsibility for upholding, protecting and promoting the special relations, Chairman Phomvihane added.