Firmly developing the special relationship between Vietnam and Laos

The official visit of President Vo Van Thuong to the Lao People's Democratic Republic aims to continue implementing the foreign policy of the 13th National Party Congress, focusing on state relations and cooperation. This is also the first official visit to Laos by comrade Vo Van Thuong after being elected President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam by the 15th National Assembly on March 2, 2023.

The fact that President Vo Van Thuong chose the brotherly country of Laos as the first country to officially visit after taking office not only demonstrates that the Party and State of Vietnam have always been consistent in valuing and giving the highest priority to consolidating and nurturing the great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Laos, but also shows the special "unique" nature of the relationship between the two countries, demonstrating the efforts of the two Parties and two States in maintaining the momentum of bilateral relations.

The visit took place in the context of the cooperative relationship between Vietnam and Laos being on a very good development path, the agreements of the high-ranking leaders of the two Parties, the joint statements during the visits of the high-ranking leaders of the two countries, the cooperation agreements between the two governments are being actively implemented by both sides and achieving many important results in all fields.

The political relationship between the two countries continues to be close and stable, in many forms, creating high political trust, playing a core and guiding role in the overall cooperation relationship between Vietnam and Laos in other fields.

Defense and security cooperation continues to be strengthened. The two sides closely coordinate to ensure security and order along the border, prevent cross-border crimes; coordinate to search for, collect and repatriate the remains of Vietnamese volunteer soldiers and experts who died in Laos during the war...

Vietnam's investment cooperation with Laos is having positive changes. Vietnam continues to be one of the three largest investors in Laos with a total registered capital of over 5.3 billion USD. Investment projects of Vietnamese enterprises in Laos such as in the fields of telecommunications, banking, and agriculture are operating effectively, contributing positively to the socio-economic development of Laos and are highly appreciated by Laos' leaders.

Total bilateral trade turnover between Vietnam and Laos in 2022 reached 1.703 billion USD, up 24.1% compared to 2021, exceeding the set target.

To support Laos' long-term development, Vietnam has opened its 100 million-people market to Laos, continuing to create favorable conditions for Laos to export and import goods through all Vietnamese seaports.

Vietnam and Laos are also coordinating research and promoting the search for capital sources and investors to implement key projects such as the Vientiane - Hanoi Expressway, the Vientiane - Thakhek - Tan Ap - Vung Ang railway, upgrading National Highway No. 8 on the Lao side and other important routes.... Once completed, these projects will create favorable conditions for the transportation of goods and travel of people from both countries.

Cooperation in education, human resource development and vocational training continues to receive special attention from both sides, especially high-quality human resources. Vietnam and Laos are also actively implementing projects to improve the quality and effectiveness of cooperation in the field of education and human resource development in the 2021-2030 period... In 2022, there were more than 14,000 Lao students studying in Vietnam, while 180 Vietnamese students were studying in Laos.

In addition, Vietnam and Laos also coordinate closely and effectively at multilateral forums, especially in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and ASEAN-led mechanisms, the United Nations, the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) and Mekong sub-region cooperation mechanisms, contributing to enhancing the position of the two countries in the international arena...

During the two-day official visit to Laos, President Vo Van Thuong, General Secretary and President Thongloun Sisoulith and other Lao leaders will review and evaluate the cooperative relationship between the two Parties and countries in the past time; exchange and agree on orientations, policies and major measures to promote the comprehensive cooperation relationship between the two countries in 2023 and the following years to become deeper, more effective and more substantial.

The two sides are also expected to discuss recent outstanding regional and world situations, coordination between the two countries at international forums and in resolving regional and international issues related to each country and bilateral relations.

The first official visit of President Vo Van Thuong to the Lao People's Democratic Republic in his new position also took place in the context of the Lao people eagerly preparing to celebrate the traditional Boun Pi May New Year. This further demonstrates the special nature of the great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Laos, and will certainly create a strong driving force to help develop firmly and deepen the Vietnam-Laos relationship and cooperation in 2023 and the coming years, meeting the expectations and interests of the people of the two countries, for peace, stability, cooperation and development in the region as well as in the world.

According to VNA