At the visit, Minh expressed his delight at thriving Vietnam – Laos ties and regular visits between their high-ranking leaders. He mentioned the recent visit to Laos by General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam and President Nguyen Phu Trong, saying it helped boost bilateral cooperation.
He affirmed Vietnam considers Laos’ traditional New Year festival as its own and vice versa, and their exchanges of greetings reflect friendship, solidarity and partnership.
The Deputy PM said Vietnam is working to realise agreements obtained between the two leaders to push relations toward effectiveness and practical outcomes.
    |
 |
|
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh (left) and Lao Ambassador to Vietnam Thongsavanh Phomvihane |
The Foreign Ministry will continue collaborating with the Lao embassy on such efforts and further extend cooperation opportunities for both nations, he added.
Congratulating Laos on its achievements after three years implementing the Resolution of the 10th National Congress of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party, Minh said he believes the country, under its Party’s leadership, will continue its gains in the future.
For his part, Lao Ambassador Thongsavanh Phomvihane said the Deputy PM and Foreign Ministry officials always create favourable conditions for the embassy to fulfill its mission.
He stated the embassy will continue working closely with the ministry on monitoring and boosting the implementation of the two nations’ cooperation agreements.
Expressing his appreciation for Vietnam’s assistance toward his country, the diplomat said Laos will step up its education on the bilateral relations and celebration of the two nations’ major events, particularly the 70th traditional day of Vietnamese soldiers in Laos (October 30, 1949).
Bupimay festival takes place in Laos on April 14 – 16 annually, with locals splashing water on each other to wish for good luck in the year ahead.
Source: VNA