Hanoi hopes to escalate its comprehensive cooperation and relation with Lao capital city of Vientiane, Hanoi’s chairman Tran Sy Thanh said on November 4 at a meeting with Prime Minister of Laos, Phankham Viphavanh.

Chairman of the Hanoi People's Committee Tran Sy Thanh (left) meets Laos' Prime Minister Phankham Viphavanh on November 4. Source: Vietnam News Agency

Thanh expected the Party, the State, and the Government of Laos would facilitate a good environment to foster the relationship between the two capital cities, thus strengthening the national bond between Vietnam and Laos.

At the meeting, the Chairman of the Hanoi People’s Committee reported to the Lao Prime Minister about positive outcomes of the Hanoi-Vientiane relationship, Vietnam News Agency reported.

Thanh said these are outstanding results as the two nations celebrate their Year of Vietnam-Laos Friendship 2022.

The Hanoi mayor also thanked Laos’ Prime Minister Phankham for his warm greetings and sent the regards of the Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh to the Lao Government.

Chairman Thanh also congratulated the government and people of Laos and Vientiane for significant achievements after 35 years of reform and a successful year since implementing the 11th Resolution of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party.

In return, Laos’ Prime Minister Phankham Viphavanh said the visit of chairman Thanh and the Hanoi delegation would strengthen the friendship, cooperation, and unity between the two countries and capital cities.

PM Phankham said that the relationship between Vietnam and Laos comes from the bottom of the heart of the two nations and peoples.

Laos’ government and party leaders will side and cooperate with Vietnam in all fields so that both nations enjoy comprehensive development, friendship, and unity, the Lao prime minister said.

Speaking highly of the positive outcomes between the two capital cities, Phankham hoped Hanoi and Vientiane would bolster mutual assistance and cooperation, thus bringing about practical benefits for the people and countries.

He said that the Lao party and government will always support Hanoi and Vientiane to tighten their mutual bond, thus strengthening the bilateral relationship between the two nations and people.

Meeting with Vientiane governor

Earlier the same day, Hanoi mayor Tran Sy Thanh hailed the relationship between Vietnam’s capital city and Vientiane at the meeting with Athsaphangthong Siphandone, Governor of Vientiane.

Representatives from the departments of Industry and Trade of Hanoi and Vientiane signed a Memorandum of Understanding on November 4. Source: Vietnam News Agency

The Hanoi mayor congratulated the two capital cities for successfully implementing bilateral agreements on official training, youth exchange, district-level cooperation, and trade and investment.

Vientiane governor Athasaphangthong said that the two sides must enhance their financial cooperation, especially in the fields of industry, agriculture and rural development, and education and training.

Chairman Thanh agreed with the suggestion of the Vientiane governor. He said that the authorities of Hanoi and Vientiane must be more creative in developing solutions and activities that result in practical effects.

Thanh also said that the two cities must improve two-way communication, resolve obstacles arising in their relationship, and implement all missions and tasks that are subject to the directions of the Vietnamese and Lao governments and the mutual agreement on the two cities’ cooperation during 2022-2025.

“The two cities must bolster their development and become the role model for other provinces and cities of the two countries to follow,” Thanh said.

“Hanoi and Vientiane will strive to achieve greater results that match the stature of the Vietnam-Laos relationship and live up to the expectations of the people and leaders of the two nations.”

The two officials appreciated that the two capital cities have grown more robust, and their relationship has contributed to a long, profound, special relationship between Vietnam and Laos.

The two mayors agreed that the agreement on the two cities’ cooperation in 2022-2025 has a significant meaning and is the base for further cooperation activities in the future.

At the meeting, the departments of Industry and Trade of Hanoi and Vientiane signed a Memorandum of Understanding that aims to boost two-way trading and industrial activities. This is also one of the core missions for the two cities in 2022-2025.