Unceasingly consolidating and developing Vietnam - Laos special solidarity

This is a significant political event that affirms both sides' prior foreign policy of constantly developing the great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Laos; enhancing the political trust; and creating a unified steering channel to promote the implementation of high-level agreements and boost bilateral cooperation.

Vietnam and Laos are close neighbours and the peoples of the two countries enjoy a traditional, faithful and connected relationship. We are pleased to have witnessed the great achievements that the Lao Party, State and people have recorded during the process of national development. Laos is one of the countries with high economic growth in ASEAN, maintaining an annual growth rate of around 6.5% over recent years. Its foreign exchange rate is stable and inflation rate is low. The simple investment mechanisms and the policy of banking credit expansion for agriculture and small enterprises, along with the development of special economic zones, have contributed to attracting more foreign investors and boosting the economic development of Laos.

The country has followed the foreign policy of peace, friendship, cooperation and independence; diversification and multilateralisation of international relations; being willing to be a friend and partner with other countries; and enhancing cooperation with its neighbours and strategic partners.

The Vietnam - Laos special solidarity, which was founded by Vietnamese President Ho Chi Minh and Lao Presidents Kaysone Phomvihane and Souphanouvong, has been nurtured by generations of leaders and people of the two countries. The relationship has become an exemplary example of the faithfulness between the two parties and nations that have constantly struggled for independence, freedom, peace and social progress. In the context of the complicated developments in the world, the special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between the two countries has been continuously consolidated and has developed in all fields. High-ranking leaders of the two parties and the two nations have met in various forms; meanwhile the exchange of delegations at all levels has been maintained regularly. The leaders of the two sides drastically directed the implementation of high-level agreements in 2019.

The two countries have always maintained bilateral cooperation mechanisms. The cooperation in security and defence has been constantly enhanced and implemented well. In addition, the cooperation in trade, investment, education-training, transport, culture and healthcare has also been strengthened. Vietnam and Laos have coordinated closely and effectively and have supported each other at regional and international forums, especially in ASEAN and the United Nations, contributing to maintaining the peace, stability and prosperous development of the region and the world.

The 42nd meeting of the Vietnam - Laos Inter-Governmental Committee in Hanoi is the fourth meeting of the inter-governmental committee co-chaired by both Prime Ministers, aiming to boost the cooperation between the two countries in a deep, practical and effective manner. At the event, the two sides will review the implementation of their cooperation agreements over the past years, while discussing and agreeing the directions and missions for the coming time.

Taking place in the context that the great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Laos continues to be consolidated and developed deeply across the fields, the Lao PM's official visit to Vietnam and co-chairman of the 42nd meeting of the Vietnam - Laos Inter-Governmental Committee aims to firmly affirm the political trust between the two leaders. The visit will contribute to nurturing the great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation which will be forever sustainable, for the interests of the two peoples and for peace, stability, co-operation and development in the region and the world.

(Source: NDO)