The visit takes place in the context of the strong and comprehensive development of Vietnam-Laos relations across all channels. Both sides have regularly exchanged delegations and conducted meetings at high-level and all levels. As a result, political trust has been strengthened; defence and security cooperation remains close and effective; economic, trade, and investment cooperation has seen many positive developments; cooperation in culture, education, training, and human resource development has witnessed qualitative and quantitative improvements; and cooperation between the two national assemblies has continued to be promoted and implemented comprehensively and effectively, making significant contributions to the overall relationship between the two countries.
The cooperation agreement between the two national assemblies has been actively implemented. Both sides have organised numerous activities to exchange experiences in legislative research, constitutional amendments, and the formulation and implementation of socio-economic development policies. High-level delegations, committee exchanges, and interactions between friendship parliamentary groups and female parliamentarians have been regularly maintained. The two national assemblies have also maintained close cooperation in regional and international parliamentary forums, such as AIPA, the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), and the Asia-Pacific Parliamentary Forum (APPF).
Chairman Tran Thanh Man's official visit to Laos reaffirms the consistent policy of the Vietnamese Party and State to always prioritise and highly value the development of the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation with Laos.
The visit also aims to concretise high-level agreements and joint declarations between the two parties and countries. It reflects the trust and close ties between the senior leaders of the two countries, as well as between the two National Assembly chairmen personally. This is also an opportunity for the two parliaments to exchange and coordinate positions on several strategic issues of mutual concern in the region and internationally, closely linked to the core interests of both countries.
AIPA-45 takes place against the backdrop of continued complex and unpredictable international and regional developments. Peace, cooperation, and development remain major trends, but challenges persist and are difficult to foresee. As ASEAN Chair in 2024, Laos plays a leading role in promoting cooperation initiatives in the three main pillars of the ASEAN Community: political-security, economics, and socio-culture, towards achieving many positive results.
In line with this year's ASEAN theme: " ASEAN: Enhancing Connectivity and Resilience", AIPA-45 focuses on the theme “The Role of Parliaments in Enhancing Connectivity and Inclusive Growth of ASEAN.” Accordingly, AIPA-45 will discuss enhancing cooperation between AIPA, ASEAN, and observer parliaments to strengthen connectivity, promote inclusive and sustainable development, and promptly address challenges while seizing opportunities to build a resilient, cohesive, and prosperous community.
Since becoming a member of the AIPA, the Vietnamese NA has always actively and responsibly participated, as well as contributing initiatives to support ASEAN governments in addressing regional priorities, which have been highly appreciated by member parliaments.
The high-ranking delegation from the Vietnamese NA attending the AIPA-45 aims to carry out the 13th Party Congress’s foreign policy on continuing to promote and enhance the effectiveness of foreign relations and international integration, as well as Directive No. 25-CT/TW of the Party Central Committee’s Secretariat on promoting and elevating multilateral diplomacy until 2030.
The working trip will contribute to enhancing the role and position of the country and the Vietnamese NA within inter-parliamentary cooperation mechanisms. The delegation's meetings with partners within the AIPA-45 framework will provide an opportunity for the Vietnamese NA and other member and observer parliaments to exchange views on strengthening cooperation and addressing common concerns in the region.
May the official visit to Laos and participation in AIPA-45 by the high-ranking delegation of the Vietnamese NA, led by Chairman Tran Thanh Man, be a great success. It is expected to continue to consolidate political relations and promote effective and practical cooperation between Vietnam and Laos in all fields, across all channels. This affirms Vietnam's support for Laos as the AIPA Chair, and together with member parliaments, strengthens ASEAN unity and centrality, thus contributing to community building while enhancing the AIPA's responsibility and voice for peace, stability, and development.
