Hanoi pledges to give top priority to promoting friendly relations and cooperation with Lao provinces, especially Vientiane.

Chairman of the Hanoi People's Council Nguyen Ngoc Tuan at the meeting. Photos: The Hanoi Times

Chairman of the Hanoi People's Council Nguyen Ngoc Tuan gave the pledge today [February 27] at a meeting with the Lao National Assembly delegation led by Vice Chairman Khambay Damlath.

During the meeting, Tuan expressed his pleasure in receiving the Lao National Assembly delegation. He emphasized that the relationship between Vietnam and Laos is unique and holds great importance.

"The Party Committee, Government, and People of Hanoi always cherish and take pride in this special relationship and make continuous efforts to strengthen and expand it," said Tuan.

He said Hanoi considers the development of friendly and cooperative ties with Laos, particularly with Vientiane, a high priority. In recent times, the cooperation between the two capitals and between Hanoi and other regions of Laos has grown stronger on various fronts, with numerous effective projects being implemented, he continued.

Regarding the Hanoi People's Council for the 2021-2026 term, Tuan said it comprises 95 deputies, earning praise from National Assembly's Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue and other leaders who consider it a "bright spot" and a "model" for other councils nationwide.

Overview of the meeting.

He added that in recent sessions, the council's resolutions institutionalize the tasks of the Central Committee and the city Party Committee, providing a legal basis for the Hanoi People's Committee and other levels and sectors to carry them out.

Furthermore, the Hanoi People's Council has demonstrated its commitment to effective governance by engaging in activities such as supervision, questioning, and explaining critical issues related to the direction and management of authorities at all levels. These activities have been carried out in a systematic, high-quality, and effective manner, drawing significant attention and appreciation from voters and citizens, Tuan said.

Another key field mentioned by Tuan is that the council has revamped its approach to contacting voters and handling citizen petitions, emphasizing a more people-centric and proactive approach to resolving backlogged cases. "This approach reflects the deputies' sense of responsibility towards their constituents and the people of Hanoi."

In addition, the Hanoi People's Council has played an essential role in regulating and guiding district and commune-level People's Council operations.

Vice Chairman of the Lao National Assembly Khambay Damlath.

Recently, the City People's Council Party Committee submitted Project No.15 to the Standing Committee of the City Party Committee, which aims to improve People's Councils' capacity, effectiveness, and operational efficiency at all levels in Hanoi.

The project is also associated with piloting an urban governance model and consolidating rural governance in Hanoi.

Tuan added that Hanoi is actively preparing documents to submit to the National Assembly for approval of the draft Capital Law, which proposes measures to strengthen the organization and authority of elected bodies in the current situation.

During the meeting, Vice Chairman of the Hanoi People's Council Pham Quy Tien shared some of the topics that the Lao National Assembly's delegation was interested in, including the number and structure of People's Councils at different levels, the involvement of private enterprises and non-party members in the People's Council, and the role of the Fatherland Front in the activities of the People's Council.

Vice Chairman of the Lao National Assembly Khambay Damlath expressed his delight at the warm welcome from the Hanoi People's Council and appreciated the exchange and sharing of information, especially on the organizational structure of People's Councils and the process of holding vote of confidence.

In conclusion, Khambay Damlath wished for the continuous development and sustainability of the friendship between Laos and Vietnam.