Vietnam, Laos encouraged to enhance cultural and people-to-people exchanges
VOV.VN - Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh met with Boviengkham Vongdara, chairman of the Laos-Vietnam Friendship Association, and Inlavanh Keobounphanh, vice chairman of the Lao Front for National Construction, on January 10 in Vientiane as part of his two-day visit to the neighouring country.
Expressing his joy at being the first foreign leader to visit Laos in 2025, PM Chinh conveyed his warm regards and best wishes for good health to Sinlavong Khoutphaythoune, chairman of the Lao Front for National Construction, and all officials of both organizations.
He praised the positive contributions of the Lao Front for National Construction and the Laos-Vietnam Friendship Association to the development of Laos. He also commended the cooperation between these organizations and the Vietnam Fatherland Front, the Vietnam-Laos Friendship Association, and relevant agencies in promoting education, public awareness, and people-to-people exchanges. This effort has helped strengthen the unique relationship between the two countries, a legacy nurtured by the late leaders such as President Ho Chi Minh, President Kaysone Phomvihane, and President Souphanouvong.
He acknowledged the support from the Lao authorities in facilitating the lives and work of the Vietnamese community in Laos, which has contributed to the prosperity of Laos.
The cabinet leader encouraged both sides to further enhance people-to-people exchanges and cultural activities to achieve practical results, strengthen connections between the past, present, and future, and foster solidarity, particularly among the younger generations.
Chinh added that the two sides should closely cooperate in organizing major events in 2025.
In response, Chairman Boviengkham Vongdara appreciated that the Prime Minister chose Laos as his first overseas visit of 2025, demonstrating the special bond between the two nations. He commended the results of the PM’s visit and the 47th meeting of the Vietnam-Laos Intergovernmental Committee for Bilateral Cooperation, emphasizing that despite global complexities, Laos continues to receive strong support from Vietnam.
The cooperation between the Lao Front for National Construction, the Laos-Vietnam Friendship Association, and the Vietnam Fatherland Front has grown stronger and more effective, contributing positively to the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between the two nations.
Chairman Boviengkham Vongdara expressed hope that PM Chinh would continue to support and guide further cooperation between the two countries, affirming that the Laos-Vietnam Friendship Association would continue its efforts to reinforce the relationship between the two nations.
