Vietnam ready to assist Laos in successfully assuming ASEAN and AIPA chairmanship

This affirmation was made by NA Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue during talks with his Laotian counterpart Saysomphone Phomvihane following a welcome ceremony held for the Vietnamese top legislator on December 4 in Vientiane.

The top Laotian legislator expressed his pleasure at welcoming the visit by the Vietnamese NA leader and his delegation to attend the first Cambodia - Laos - Vietnam. (CLV) Parliamentary Summit and extended congratulations on the success of the freshly concluded sixth session of the 15th legislature.

He also respectfully sent his warm regards to Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, President Vo Van Thuong, and Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh.

At the talks, the two sides informed each other about the situation of their respective nations, the co-operative relationship between the two countries in recent times, and shared several results of the sixth session of the 15th Lao National Assembly and the 15th Vietnamese legislature.

The Laotian NA leader hailed the Vietnamese side’s great and comprehensive achievements in boosting economic development whilst maintaining political and social stability amid both the world and regional situation facing many complex developments.

The Laotian NA has just successfully held its sixth session, with this event featuring the adoption of a number of plans on economic recovery and development aiming to deal with social issues. Laos has gradually resolved economic difficulties and brought inflation under control, he told his guest.

In response, NA Chairman Hue extended regards from Vietnamese senior leaders to their Laotian counterparts and congratulated the neighbouring country on important achievements recorded in socio-economic development and the success of the sixth session of the ninth Lao legislature.

The top Vietnamese legislator highly appreciated the thorough preparation made by the host country in the organisation of the first CLV Parliamentary Summit taking place from December 5 to December 6, along with other sideline activities. He applauded the chairmanship of Laos, while stating that this is also a good experience for the nation as it gears up to organize the next CLV Summit.

NA Chairman Hue expressed his confidence that, under the leadership of the Laotian People's Revolutionary Party, the Government's administration, the NA’s companionship and supervision, and the efforts of people and businesses, Laos will record many new and greater achievements, successfully carry out measures for economic recovery measures, as well as the Resolution of the 11th Party Congress and plan for socio-economic development.

​He affirmed that the nation always gives top priority to the great traditional relationship between the two countries, always standing united and wholeheartedly supporting the neighouring nation’s national protection, construction, innovation, and development process.

The two top legislators expressed their joy and appreciation at the positive results recorded in bilateral co-operation, especially between the two legislative bodies.

The two sides have continued to regularly maintain high-level visits, meetings, and co-operation mechanisms on all channels, including many exchange and collaboration activities between the two countries' legislatures, they said.

They have closely co-ordinated to create a favourable legal corridor for the two governments to implement signed agreements, strengthen ties in monitoring the implementation of bilateral joint agreements, and accelerate the implementation of projects between the two countries.

NA Chairman Hue emphasized that the two law-making bodies need to build institutions and laws together to create breakthroughs in bilateral economic and trade links.

The two leaders displayed their delight at the prospect of the two countries recently opening a direct Ho Chi Minh City-Vientiane air route with four flights per week set to start in early 2024.

Regarding orientations for future co-operation, the two sides agreed to continue strengthening ties between the two NAs through sharing legislative experience, building and fine-tuning institutions and legal systems, along with boosting linkages in monitoring the effective implementation of signed high-level agreements.

Both sides agreed to prepare good content for important bilateral activities between the two nations’ senior leaders; reinforce solidarity; continue with close co-ordination; and provide mutual support at regional and international forums, especially at the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA), the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), the Asia-Pacific Parliamentary Forum (APPF), and the Parliamentary Assembly of the Francophonie (APF).

Before talks, NA Chairman Hue and his high-ranking delegation laid wreaths at the Lao Unknown Martyrs Monument.