Hanoi and Vientiane should set an example at inter-provincial level cooperation to reflect the scale of Vietnam-Laos relations and expectations from leaders and people of the two countries.

Secretary of the Hanoi Party Committee Dinh Tien Dung stressed the view during a meeting with his Vientiane counterpart Anouphap Tounalom today [August 9] in Hanoi.

Secretary of the Hanoi Party Committee Dinh Tien Dung at the meeting. Photos: Viet Thanh

At the meeting, Dung welcomed the visit of Vientiane’s high-ranking delegation to Hanoi on the occasion of the 60^th anniversary of diplomatic relations (September 5, 1962 – September 5, 2022), and the 45^th anniversary of the signing of the Vietnam-Laos Friendship and Cooperation Treaty (July 18, 1977- July 18, 2022).

According to Dung, the special Vietnam-Laos relations, founded by President Ho Chi Minh, President Kaysone Phomvihane, and President Souphanouvong, and nurtured by generations of people from both countries, have been an invaluable asset for both countries.

Dung referred to a statement from Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong during a ceremony marking the 60^th anniversary of diplomatic relations and the 45^th anniversary of the signing of the Vietnam-Laos Friendship and Cooperation Treaty on July 18 that the solidarity and friendship between the two countries would serve as the foundation for both to take the relations to a new height in the next development phase.

In this regard, Vietnam and Laos are not only neighboring countries but “brothers and comrades.”

Dung expressed his delight at the strong progress in cooperation between Hanoi and Vientiane, saying this has contributed to the bilateral relations overall.

Vientiane Party Committee’s Secretary Anouphap Tounalom.

During the visit of Hanoi’s high-ranking delegation to Vientiane in April 2022, both sides signed a memorandum of cooperation for the 2022-2025 period.

“This is the most comprehensive agreement yet between the two capitals, covering various fields from the economy, education, socio-culture, and cooperation for development,” Dung said.

“Four months on since the signing of the memorandum, this is the chance for both sides to look at the progress so far,” he added.

The Hanoi party chief said right after the signing, the Hanoi Party Committee has instructed the city’s apparatus to put into motion commitments outlined in the agreement, serving as the foundation for Hanoi-Vientiane cooperation in the future.

Delegations at the meeting.

Dung mentioned the first Hanoi-Vientiane investment conference, scheduled to take place on August 10, as a new initiative to benefit business communities from both countries.

With a series of cooperation agreements set to be signed following the meeting, Dung said it is positive news as both cities are pushing for recovery in the post-pandemic period, and contribute to the development of each country.

Dung called for both cities to continue maintaining high-ranking exchanges; implementing new projects in the fields of agriculture, and education; raising public awareness, especially the young generations, on the special Vietnam-Laos relations.

Vientiane Party Committee’s Secretary Anouphap Tounalom expressed his delight to visit Hanoi on a special occasion for both countries.

Tounalom noted the long-standing relations have progressed over the years, especially through a difficult period in the fight for independence.

“Looking back at the history of both countries, we can be proud of this relation,” Tounalom added.

Tounalom noted regardless of changes in regional and international situations, Vientiane would stand hand in hand with Hanoi in promoting the Vietnam-Laos relations that have been nurtured by generations from the two countries.

Photos of the signing ceremony for cooperation agreements between Hanoi and Vientiane:

Signing the agreement on Hanoi’s support to build the headquarters of the Justice Department and Vientiane’s Procuracy Department for the 2022-2025 period.

Signing the agreement for cooperation between Hanoi’s Youth Union and its Laos counterpart for 2022-2025.

Signing cooperation agreement between Hoan Kiem District Party Committee and the Party Committee of Chan Tha Bu ly District 2022-2025.

Signing cooperation agreement between Le Hong Phong Staff Training School and Vientiane Administrative-Political School for 2022-2025.