The visit was of significance to bilateral ties, as it contributed to further developing the traditional friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Laos in a more substantive and effective manner, meeting the aspirations of the two peoples for peace, stability, cooperation and development in the region and the world at large.
The Lao Party, State and people hosted a solemn and warm reception for General Secretary Trong and the high-ranking Vietnamese delegation. During the visit, General Secretary Trong held talks with Lao Party General Secretary and President Bounnhang Vorachith, met Lao Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith and Chairwoman of the Lao National Assembly Pany Yathotou and received President of the Lao Front for National Construction Saysomphone Phomvihane and President of the Laos-Vietnam Friendship Association Vilayvong Butdakham.
He also visited and extended greetings to the former leaders of the Lao Party and State, held talks with lecturers, officials and students at the Lao National University in Vientiane, made field trips to economic and cultural institutions in Vientiane and Bolikhamsai Province and witnessed the signing of seven documents on cooperation between the two countries.
On the occasion of the visit, Vietnam and Laos issued a joint statement, which affirmed that in today’s stage of the revolutionary process, at a time when the two Parties and countries are making every effort to realise the goals and targets set by each Party’s Congress, the protection, maintenance and development of the bilateral special solidarity was vital to each country’s revolution and it was a common task for the two Parties, States and peoples, particularly the younger generations. The close bilateral bonds have played an important role in the sustainable development and future of the two countries, positively contributing to peace, stability, cooperation and development in the region and the world in general.
During the talks and meetings, which took place in an environment of solidarity, friendship and mutual trust, the two sides informed each other about the implementation of the resolution of each Party Congress; discussed ways to develop the traditional friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Laos in a more substantive and effective manner; and exchanged views on regional and international issues of mutual interest. The two sides also reaffirmed their respect and strong support for each nation’s reform, development and defence.
While stressing that the visit was taking place at a special moment for Vietnam and Laos, as both Parties and countries held successful Party Congresses in early 2016, General Secretary Trong and President Bounnhang agreed to enhance political ties by continuing meetings between the leaders of their Parties and countries and sharing theoretical research and experience in strengthening their Parties and enhancing the capacity of officials. The two sides will coordinate to successfully organise activities marking significant anniversaries in 2017 so as to educate younger generations on the special unity between Vietnam and Laos. They also stressed the need for stronger defence cooperation and economic connectivity, especially in terms of institutions, transport infrastructure, energy and tourism. Vietnam and Laos will expeditiously fine-tune mechanisms and policies while tackling obstacles to facilitate economic partnerships. They will also improve the effectiveness of bilateral collaboration on education, training and human resources development, while closely supervising and pushing forward the execution of high-level agreements and programmes and projects for cooperation between the two Parties and countries.
Touching upon regional and international issues that had drawn much attention from both sides, the two leaders agreed to strengthen coordination at international and regional forums, particularly the United Nations, ASEAN and cooperation mechanisms in the Greater Mekong Sub-Region. Vietnam and Laos would also work together to manage and effectively use the water resources of the Mekong River in order to ensure harmony of interests among the Mekong nations and the region’s sustainable development, they said.
The success of General Secretary Trong’s visit to Laos has turned a new page for a brighter future for Vietnam and Laos, asserting that in any context, the two Parties, States and peoples will always treasure, protect and develop the traditional bilateral friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Laos, which was established by President Ho Chi Minh and President Kaysone Phomvihane and has been fostered by many generations of leaders of the two Parties, States and peoples, and consider it a valuable common asset for the two Parties and nations, contributing to peace, stability, cooperation and development in the region and around the world.
