Vietnamese National Assembly (NA) Chairman Nguyen Phu Trong visited the Lao National Institute for the Studies of Politics and Administration (NISPA) on April 24 in company with Lao National Assembly Chairman Thoongsin Thammavong.

NISPA director Ky keo Khaykham Phithum highlighted the significance of Mr Trong’s visit to his institute at a time when the two countries are preparing for the 45^th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties and the 30^th anniversary of the signing of the cooperation treaty between the two countries – two major events of the year.

NISPA will strive to implement the agreements inked by both sides for the benefit of special friendship between Laos and Vietnam, Mr Kikeo said.

He sincerely thanked Vietnam for its assistance to the institute in the field of education and training.

So far, NISPA has trained more than 5,000 officials for central agencies and localities. The institute always cooperates with the Ho Chi Minh National Politics Institute and the Vietnam National Academy of Public Administration. NISPA was recently upgraded with the Vietnamese Government’s financial support of VND17 billion.

NA chairman Trong praised NISPA’s education and training achievements over the past 10 years which he said have greatly contributed to Laos’ development cause. He highly valued the effective cooperation between NISPA and the Ho Chi Minh National Politics Institute, describing this as another proof of close friendship and cooperation between the two countries.

Mr Trong emphasized that the Communist Party of Vietnam always follows the path to socialism based on practical conditions and people’s aspirations. However, he said it is essential to renew thinking and get proper understanding about the goal of socialism in accordance with Vietnam’s reality. It is also important to develop a market-oriented economy and build a law-governed socialist state by promoting democracy and ensuring people’s mastery. Furthermore, it is necessary to increase the leadership role and capacity of the Party.

NA Chairman Trong attributed Vietnam’s current achievements to the great assistance of international friends, including Laos.

Earlier, Mr Trong and his entourage laid a wreath at the unknown soldiers’ monument and visited the Kaysone Phomvihan Museum and President Suphanuvong commemorative area. He also talked with the Vietnamese Embassy’s staff in Vientiane.

During his meeting with the Governor of Vientiane on April 24, Mr Trong expressed hope that in the coming time Vientiane and Hanoi and other localities of Vietnam will further cooperate in various fields to boost the traditional cooperation between the two countries.