Vietnam- Laos relations see positive developments

Vietnam and Laos established diplomatic ties in 1962 and signed the Vietnam-Laos Friendship Cooperation Treaty in 1977, marking important landmarks in the history of relations between the two countries. On this occasion, Lao Ambassador to Vietnam Soonthorn Xayachack granted an interview to a Voice of Vietnam Radio (VOV) reporter.

Reporter: What is your assessment of Vietnam-Laos cooperative relations during the past 30 years?

The Ambassador: Vietnam and Laos were liberated two years before the Friendship Cooperation Treaty was signed on July 18, 1977. This was an important landmark in the history of relations between the two countries and served as a legal and political foundation for them to bring relations between the two parities, states and peoples to a new height.

During the past 30 years, the ties of time-honoured friendship and comprehensive relations between Vietnam and Laos have been unceasingly consolidated and developed in all fields in line with the renovation policies and guidelines of each country. Firm political relations are considered a good foundation for the two countries to promote bilateral cooperation in other fields through the exchange of visits and the sharing of experiences in national construction and development.

Bilateral cooperation in economics, trade, investment, science and technology, national defence and security and foreign affairs has also been constantly boosted, bringing practical interests to both countries.

We appreciate the bilateral cooperation in training human resources, sharing experience in theory and other areas such as agriculture, industry, healthcare, culture, transport, post and telecommunications, construction, mining and energy. At present, Vietnam is one of the countries taking the lead in investment in Laos

Reporter: Could you tell about the significance of activities to mark the 30^th signing of the Vietnam-Laos Friendship and Cooperation Treaty and the 45^th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties?

The Ambassador: Launching the anniversary activities is of great significance to review the relations of traditional friendship and all-round cooperation between Vietnam and Laos which were fostered by late President Ho Chi Minh and late President Khayson Phomvihan. These activities once again affirm the two countries’ determination to further strengthen and develop their special relationship.

This is a good chance for younger generations of both countries to gain a better understanding about the traditional friendship and special comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Laos, an invaluable asset of the two nations. It is also a decisive factor in promoting national development in each country and encouraging young Vietnamese and Lao people to fulfil their responsibility for consolidating and developing bilateral relations.

Reporter: What should we do to boost Vietnam-Laos relations in the future?

The Ambassador: To develop bilateral ties to a new height, it is essential to actively implement cooperation programmes in the fields of economics and science-technology for the 2006-2010 following the initial cooperation strategy for the 2001-2010 period which was reached by two countries’ Party and State leaders. We should continue to promote our friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation in politics, economics, security and national defence, as well as diplomatic affairs in line with the spirit of independence, self-sovereignty and self-development in order to fully tap the two countries’ potential for mutual benefit.

In the immediate future, Vietnam and Laos should effectively implement cooperation programmes of education and human resource development, increase the quality of education and boost cooperation programmmes of border development, information and cultural exchange, investment, tourism and services. In particular, the two countries will strive to reach the two-way trade turnover of US$1 billion and US$2 billion in 2010 and 2015, respectively.

Currently, functional agencies of both nations are discussing measures to realize the set targets.

Reporter: Could you tell us about your impressions of Vietnam’s people and land?

The Ambassador: It’s my great honour to be Lao ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary in Vietnam. This is a good opportunity to gain more valuable experience about Vietnam’s development. Here, I have witnessed remarkable and significant achievements in Vietnam’s national construction and defence.

I am deeply impressed by Vietnam’s achievements in the international integration and renovation process. Vietnam has secured political stability and sustainable economic development, while its position has continually increased in the international arena and people’s living conditions have improved considerably.

I believe that under the leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam and with the industriousness of the Vietnamese people, the country will obtain great success in its industrialization and modernization cause to become a powerful nation with prosperous people and an equitable, democratic and civilized society in accordance with the Resolution of the 10^th National Party Congress.

Reporter: Thank you.

Source: VOV