 President Vo Van Thuong arrives in Vientiane on April 10 morning, beginning an official visit to Laos. (Photo: VNA) |
The two-day official visit to Laos is President Vo Van Thuong’s trip abroad since he took office.
Vietnam-Laos relationship is growing steadily
The relationship between Vietnam and Laos is special. It has been a normal practice for the two countries’ leaders to visit the other country during their first trip abroad after taking office which reflects the fine tradition, special sentiment and close, faithful bond between the two countries.
President Thuong’s visit to Laos took place shortly after he was elected President by the National Assembly on March 2.
Vietnamese Ambassador to Laos Nguyen Ba Hung said President Thuong’s visit demonstrates the Vietnamese Party and State’s special sentiment, determination, and strong commitment to fostering and upgrading the great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between the two countries.
 Vietnamese Ambassador to Laos Nguyen Ba Hung (Photo: VOV) |
President Thuong’s visit which takes place ahead of Laos’ traditional New Year Festival Buon Pi May 2566 delivers a special message, according to Ambassador Hung.
"Everyone is happy to welcome their friends to come prior to the New Year to bring them warm sentiments and valuable support. The visit represents New Year wishes of luck, new achievements, happiness, and prosperity from millions of Vietnamese people for their Lao brothers and friends," said Hung.
The Vietnam-Laos relationship is growing steadily with the effective implementation of bilateral cooperative agreements. The two countries have enhanced cooperation in the fight against COVID-19, national defense and security, economics, trade and investment. With nearly 240 investment projects worth 5.4 billion USD in Laos, Vietnam ranks third among countries and territories investing in Laos. Last year, Vietnam began 5 new investment projects in Laos and expanded investment in 4 projects which have total investment capital of 70 million USD. Last year, bilateral trade totaled 1.7 billion USD, up 25% from the previous year.
Last year, the two sides inaugurated projects funded by the Vietnamese government including a project to build an Agricultural Technical Service Center in Xaysomboun province, an agro-product and medicinal plant processing factory, and a project to build NongKhang airport which is expected to complete this year.
The two countries’ Ministries of Education have adopted a master project on education cooperation until 2030. Last year, Vietnam gave nearly 1,200 new scholarships to Lao students bringing the total number of Lao students studying in Vietnam to 14,000.
New motivation for bilateral ties
The visit is of great importance given the two countries’ active implementation of their respective National Party Congress Resolutions and socio-economic development plans, their economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, their thriving relations, and the complicated and unpredictable developments in the region and the world.
During the visit, President Vo Van Thuong and Lao Party leader and President Thongloun Sisoulith and other Lao leaders will discuss major orientations and measures to foster bilateral comprehensive cooperation this year and in the years to come, the regional and global situation, coordination at international forums, and other regional and global issues of mutual concern.
Ambassador Hung said: "President Vo Van Thuong’s visit to Laos is of great importance. It will create a momentum for strengthening the sustainable cooperation between the two countries and make the Vietnam-Laos relationship an active factor in enhancing peace, security, and cooperation in Asia and the world."
With President Thuong’s visit, the special ties between Vietnam and Laos will be bolstered to a new height.