President: Vietnam does everything for the development of Laos

This afternoon (May 15), at the Presidential Palace, President Tran Dai Quang warmly received Prime Minister of the Lao PDR Thongloun Sisoulith, who is on an official visit to Vietnam.

President Tran Dai Quang and Lao Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith.

At the reception, the President congratulated Mr. Thongloun Sisoulith on being elected by the Lao Party, State and National Assembly to hold the position of Prime Minister of the Lao PDR; and warmly welcomed Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith on his official visit to Vietnam.

This is the first country he visited after taking office, demonstrating the deep affection and loyal attachment between Vietnam and Laos. The President emphasized Vietnam's consistent policy of always valuing and giving high priority to preserving and promoting the special solidarity between Vietnam and Laos.

The President expressed his satisfaction at the fact that the special solidarity between Vietnam and Laos is growing stronger, more practical and more effective. Political relations have been firmly consolidated. Cooperation in the fields of security, defense, economy and trade has achieved many concrete results, contributing positively to the socio-economic development of each country.

In particular, the success of the visits to Vietnam by General Secretary and President Bounnhang Volachith and the Lao Prime Minister has brought the relationship between the two Parties, two States and two Governments to a new height.

Appreciating the results of the talks between the two Prime Ministers, the President said that the contents and directions discussed by the two sides are important to help successfully implement the Cooperation Plan between the two Governments in 2016 and the Vietnam-Laos Cooperation Agreement for the 2016-2020 period.

To maximize the potential and strengths of each country, the President suggested that the two sides effectively implement the agreements reached at the annual High-Level Meeting of the two Politburoes and the 38th Session of the Vietnam-Laos Intergovernmental Committee on Bilateral Cooperation, especially continuing to increase the quantity and quality of delegation exchanges at high and all levels;

Continue to encourage the ministries, branches and localities of the two countries to expand direct cooperation, support and help each other in socio-economic development, maintain security, stability and safety in the border area. Coordinate well the implementation of the Protocol on border lines and boundary markers, the Agreement on Border Management Regulations and Border Gates signed in March 2016 to contribute to continuing to build a peaceful, stable, cooperative and developed border.

The President also proposed continuing to improve the quality of comprehensive cooperation in the fields of security, defense, economy, trade and investment; creating more favorable conditions for Vietnamese enterprises to invest in Laos, promptly cooperating to remove difficulties for investment cooperation projects between the two countries, striving to increase two-way trade turnover by 20% in 2016.

Emphasizing the friendship between the two countries, both comrades and brothers, which is a priceless asset, connecting the survival of the two nations, the President said that both sides need to further promote the education of traditions for the younger generation, and well organize activities to celebrate the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations and the 40th anniversary of the signing of the Vietnam-Laos Friendship and Cooperation Treaty in 2017.

Expressing his gratitude to Laos for its sharing and support for the Vietnamese people in the difficulties caused by natural disasters and drought in the Southern and Central Highlands provinces, which vividly demonstrate the traditional friendship, special solidarity and close attachment between the two peoples, the President hoped that the two sides would continue to closely coordinate with each other and with other countries and international organizations in the management and sustainable and effective use of the Mekong River's water resources.

The President stressed that Vietnam is ready to do everything possible for the development of brotherly Laos, wishing the visit of Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith and the Lao high-ranking delegation a great success, and wishing brotherly Laos to successfully implement the Resolution of the 10th Congress of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party to bring the Lao PDR to the forefront.

Expressing his gratitude for the warm and warm welcome that the leaders of the Party and State of Vietnam had given to the delegation, the Lao Prime Minister congratulated the President who had just been elected by the National Assembly as head of state, and wished Vietnam to continue to achieve even greater achievements in the cause of national construction.

Lao Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith affirmed that he always attaches importance to the special relationship with Vietnam. This visit aims to contribute to the concrete implementation of the joint statements and agreements agreed upon by the leaders of the Party and State of the two countries. The joint statement during the recent visit to Vietnam by Lao General Secretary and President Bounhang Volachith is the foundation to continue promoting the relationship between the two Parties, two States and peoples.

Announcing a number of activities in Vietnam, including a meeting with generations of experts and volunteer soldiers in Laos, Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith said that in 2017, the two countries will have many activities to celebrate the special friendship and solidarity between Vietnam and Laos that has been cultivated by generations of leaders of the two countries; he hopes that these values ​​will be preserved, promoted and educated to the young generations of the two countries./.

According to VOV