Vietnam always gives top priority to the special traditional relationship with Laos.

National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue affirmed that Vietnam always stands side by side and strongly and comprehensively supports Laos' cause of protection, construction, innovation and development.

Chủ tịch Quốc hội Vương Đình Huệ hội kiến Thủ tướng Lào Sonexay Siphandone. (Nguồn: TTXVN)

National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue meets with Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone. (Source: VNA)

Within the framework of the program to attend the first Cambodia-Laos-Vietnam (CLV) Summit and visit and work in Laos, on the afternoon of December 4, National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue met with Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone.

Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone warmly welcomed National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue and the high-ranking delegation of the Vietnamese National Assembly attending the CLV Summit, visiting and working in Laos; emphasizing that the working trip contributed to fostering the great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between the two countries, bringing strong sentiments and encouragement on the occasion of the 48th anniversary of Laos' National Day and the 103rd birthday of President Kaysone Phomvihane, showing strong support for Laos to host the first Cambodia-Laos-Vietnam Summit of the National Assemblies.

Respectfully conveying his regards to key Vietnamese leaders, the Lao Prime Minister thanked Vietnam for its help and support in Laos' past cause of liberation and independence and in its current national construction.

Congratulating Vietnam on its many achievements in socio-economic development, the Lao Prime Minister shared the efforts of the Lao Party, State and Government in overcoming difficulties, recovering the economy, and achieving initial achievements in economic recovery, controlling inflation and exchange rates.

The Lao Prime Minister said that two national programs are being implemented to address economic and financial difficulties and a drug prevention program. The Lao Prime Minister welcomed Vietjet Air's opening of a direct flight route from Ho Chi Minh City to Vientiane with a frequency of 4 flights/week from the beginning of 2024.

Expressing his joy at returning to visit the Lao People's Democratic Republic, National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue, on behalf of the Vietnamese leaders and people, sent congratulations on the 48th National Day of the Lao People's Democratic Republic (December 2, 1975 - December 2, 2023); respectfully conveyed the regards and wishes of good health from General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, President Vo Van Thuong, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and other leaders of the Party and State of Vietnam to Comrade Sonexay Siphandone and other senior Lao leaders.

The National Assembly Chairman expressed his joy at the recovery of the Lao economy, with inflation initially under control and budget revenue improved.

National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue affirmed that Vietnam consistently gives the highest priority to the special traditional relationship "unique" with Laos, always stands side by side and strongly and comprehensively supports the protection, construction, innovation and development of Laos; emphasizing that the National Assemblies of the two countries will coordinate closely, continue to create a favorable legal corridor for the two Governments to strengthen cooperation, coordinate in supervising and promoting the effective implementation of the Cooperation Agreements between the two Governments agreed upon at the 45th Session of the Vietnam-Laos Intergovernmental Committee and other cooperation agreements between the two sides.

The National Assembly Chairman emphasized that Vietnam hopes to soon welcome the Lao Prime Minister to visit Vietnam and co-chair the 46th meeting of the Vietnam-Laos Intergovernmental Committee. Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone happily accepted the invitation of Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh to pay an official visit to Vietnam and co-chair the 46th meeting of the Vietnam-Laos Intergovernmental Committee.

At the meeting, the two leaders expressed their joy and appreciation for the results achieved in the Vietnam-Laos relationship in recent times.

The two sides agreed that in the coming time, they need to closely coordinate, seriously implement high-level agreements, and prepare well for meetings of high-level leaders and the 46th meeting of the Vietnam-Laos Intergovernmental Committee; emphasized that the two sides need to promote trade and investment cooperation, strengthen connectivity between the two economies, both hard infrastructure connectivity and soft connectivity in terms of institutions, digital economy, finance, and banking; continue to pay attention to and resolve difficulties and obstacles for businesses and important cooperation projects between the two countries; support and create favorable conditions for Vietnamese businesses to promote investment in Laos, creating a breakthrough to bring economic cooperation on par with the great Vietnam-Laos relationship.

Besides, the two countries can cooperate in three key areas, including large-scale high-tech agriculture, renewable energy such as wind power, solar power and mineral exploitation.

National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue affirmed that Vietnam supports and is ready to provide maximum assistance to Laos to successfully assume the role of Chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and Chair of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) in 2024, thereby helping to enhance Laos' position in the region and the world.

Source