The meetings were part of the 40th meeting of the Vietnam – Laos Inter-Governmental Committee, co-chaired by PM Phuc and his Lao counterpart Thongloun Sisoulith, earlier the same day.

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Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc (L) and General Secretary of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party and President of Laos Bounnhang Vorachith. (Photo: baochinhphu.vn)

Talking to General Secretary and President Vorachith, PM Phuc noted at the 40th meeting, the two sides reviewed their cooperation last year and reached consensus in various fields. They ordered relevant ministries, sectors and localities to coordinate with the countries’ businesses to carry out agreements so as to successfully implement the two Government’s cooperation plan for 2018 and the Vietnam – Laos cooperation agreement for 2016-2020.

He highly valued the major achievements that Laos has attained, affirming that the Communist Party of Vietnam, the State, Government and people of Vietnam always give the highest priority to the enhancement of the traditional friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation with Laos, considering these as priceless and vital for their countries’ revolutionary causes.

General Secretary and President Vorachith appreciated the two Governments’ efforts to address difficulties and intensify bilateral cooperation. He expressed his belief that the successful 40th meeting of the Inter-Governmental Committee right at the beginning of this year will be a basis for them to realise the cooperation plan for 2018 and the cooperation agreement for 2016-2020.

At the meeting with Chairwoman of the Lao National Assembly Pany Yathotou, PM Phuc asked both sides to continue reinforcing the relations in politics, diplomacy, defence, and security while building a Vietnam – Laos border of peace, stability, cooperation, and comprehensive development.

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Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc and Chairwoman of the Lao National Assembly Pany Yathotou. (Photo: baochinhphu.vn)

He also called for stronger education on the two countries’ time-honoured friendship, special solidarity and all-round cooperation, especially among younger generations.

For her part, Chairwoman Yathotou welcomed the Vietnamese delegation to Laos and applauded the success of the Vietnam – Laos Solidarity and Friendship Year 2017.

Following the meetings, PM Phuc visited workers at the construction site of the new headquarters of the National Assembly of Laos. The headquarters, covering 23,400 sq.m., is a present of the Vietnamese Party, State and people for Laos. Its construction began in November 2017.

Later on February 5, the Vietnamese delegation left Vientiane, wrapping up the trip to attend the 40th meeting of the Vietnam – Laos Inter-Governmental Committee.

Source: VNA