Vietnamese and Lao peace committees build stronger ties
VOV.VN - Uong Chu Luu, chairman of the Vietnam Peace Committee, held talks on October 5 with Sommad Pholsena, visiting vice chairman of the Laos National Assembly (NA) and chairman of the Laos Committee for Peace and Solidarity, during which both sides discussed ways to propel ties forward.
They used the event to update each other on the socio-economic development of their respective countries and exchanged views on regional and global issues, as well as the co-operation relationship.
Vietnam places great importance on the partnership between the two committees, said Luu, who is former vice chairman of the NA. The two sides have been active contributors to the close and loyal friendship that exists, he noted, adding that they have exchanged delegations annually, stepped up communication efforts, and closely co-ordinated in promoting people-to-people exchange activities.
He went on to suggest that the two committees play a more active role in making bilateral co-operation more diverse, practical, and effective on the occasion of the Vietnam – Laos, Laos – Vietnam Friendship and Solidarity Year 2022.
The committees should not only maintain high-level delegation exchanges, but also boost mutual collaboration and support in people-to-people diplomacy activities, such as the World Social Forum, Asia – Europe People’s Forum, and ASEAN People’s Forum, the official continued.
He emphasized that both sides have been closely working hand in hand within the framework of the World Peace Council (WPC), particularly to prepare for the 22nd WPC Assembly which will be hosted by Vietnam this November. They are currently looking into the possibility of jointly conducting multiple projects aimed at addressing the aftermath of war and issues caused by mines, whilst simultaneously promoting Vietnamese culture and tourism in Laos and vice versa, Luu unveiled.
In response, Pholsena pledged that the Laotian side will further educate its people on the special friendship that exists between the two countries and better preserve the long-standing ties, while seeking to accelerate bilateral cultural exchanges, trade, and tourism promotion.
He concluded by expressing his hopes that the two sides will conduct more activities in order to enhance people-to-people exchanges in the time ahead.