Vietnam supports Laos in successfully assuming ASEAN and AIPA chairmanship

The affirmation was made by National Assembly (NA) Vice Chairman Nguyen Duc Hai during a meeting with his Lao counterpart  Sommad Pholsena and his delegation on the sidelines of the 31st Asia-Pacific Parliamentary Forum (APPF-31)  in Manila, Philippines.

Regarding bilateral relations, NA Vice Chairman Hai emphasized that Vietnam always gives the highest priority to the special "unique" traditional relationship with Laos, always standing side by side in strongly and comprehensively supporting the defence, construction, innovation and development of the neighbouring country.

Concerning the relationship between the two NAs, the two sides have maintained very close and effective cooperation and are implementing well the content of the Cooperation Agreement between the two legislatures signed in May 2022, with the exchange of delegations at high level being regularly maintained.

The National Assembly of Vietnam is working hand in hand with Lao and Cambodian legislatures to organize the first Cambodia - Laos - Vietnam (CLV) parliamentary summit slated to take place in Laos in December.

The NA Vice Chairman also proposed that the two parliaments need to strengthen exchange, experience sharing, and mutual coordination in areas of mutual interest.

This is addition to closely coordinating and jointly monitoring the effectiveness of the implementation of agreements signed between the two countries, while reinforcing solidarity, close coordination, and mutual support at regional and international forums.

In response, the Lao legislator emphasized that in the context of unpredictable changes in the world, the two countries need to boost closer coordination.

He also expressed his desire to learn from Vietnam's experience in budget allocation, and socio-economic development and asked the Vietnamese NA to support its Lao counterpart in fulfilling its role as AIPA chair in 2024.