This is the third visit made by the Government leader of Laos to Vietnam and his second official visit to the country since he took office as the PM in 2016.
The visit is an important political event, contributing to affirming both countries’ consistent foreign policy of attaching importance to preserving and nurturing the great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Laos.
Vietnam and Laos are close neighbours and the peoples of the two countries enjoy a traditional, faithful and connected relationship. The bilateral great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation were founded by Vietnamese President Ho Chi Minh and Lao Presidents Kaysone Phomvihane and Souphanouvong, and have been nurtured by generations of leaders and people of the two countries. The relationship has become a common invaluable asset and a very important factor to ensure the success of the revolutionary cause in each country.
The peoples from Vietnam and Laos have always stood side by side as well as given each other great support and profound sharing of both material and spiritual conditions during their fights for national liberation in the past and the causes of national construction and defence today. The Vietnam – Laos special relations are a rare example of the strong and faithful cohesion between the two nations that have constantly struggled for independence, freedom, peace and social progress.
Vietnamese people sincerely congratulate the Party, State and people of Laos for their achievements over recent years. The political situation in Laos has essentially been stable and the country’s security – defence has been ensured, while the leading role of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party (LPRP) has been maintained. Laos is one of the countries with highest economic growth in ASEAN, maintaining an annual growth rate of around 7% in recent years. Its foreign exchange rate is stable and inflation rate is low.
The simple investment mechanisms as well as the policy of banking credit expansion for agriculture and small enterprises and the development of special economic zones have contributed to attracting more foreign investors. In terms of foreign policy, Laos follows the foreign policy of peace, friendship, cooperation and independence; diversification and multilateralisation of international relations; being a friend and partner with other countries; and enhancing cooperation with neighbours and strategic partners.
We are pleased to see that in the context of the complicated developments in the world, the special, faithful and connectedrelationship between Vietnam and Laos has been continuously consolidated and developed in a deeper, more practical and effective manner across all fields. The two countries have frequently exchanged delegations, from local to central levels. In the first nine months of this year, the two sides have exchanged 60 delegations at Deputy Minister level and above, implementing numerous important external activities. Notably, the official visit to Laos made by Vietnamese Party General Secretary and President Nguyen Phu Trong in February was extremely important, bringing the relations between the two countries into a new stage of development. Vietnam and Laos have always maintained bilateral cooperation mechanisms. The cooperation in security and defence has been constantly enhanced and implemented well. Meanwhile, the cooperation in trade, investment, education – training, transport, culture and healthcare has been strengthened and achieved many positive results. During the Vietnam-Laos Solidarity and Friendship Year 2017, various practical cooperation and exchange activities were held, affirming the profoundness and faithfulness of the great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between the two nations. Vietnam and Laos have contributed to promoting cooperation with ASEAN countries to build the ASEAN Community and maintain the spirit of solidarity and consensus of ASEAN as well as coordinating with and supporting each other at regional and international forums.
Taking place in the context of the strong development in thegreat friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Laos, the official visit to Vietnam made by Lao PM Thongloun Sisoulith and his spousefirmly affirms the political trust between the leaders of the two countries and determination to further tighten the special solidarity. It is believed that the outcomes of the Lao PM’s visit will contribute bolstering the Vietnam – Laos relations in the new international context, for peace, stability, cooperation and development in the region and world.
