Vietnam gives priority to enhancing ties with Laos
Vietnam always prioritises the consolidation and enhancement of the traditional friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation with Laos.
Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc made the remark at a reception hosted by General Secretary of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party (LPRP) and President Choummaly Sayasone in Laos’ southern province of Attapeu on February 25.
Phuc congratulated Laos on its achievements in implementing the Resolution of the 9th Party Congress and the 7th five-year socio-economic development plan, as well as its entry to the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and success in hosting the 7th Asia-Europe Parliamentary Partnership Meeting (ASEP 7), the 9th Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM 9) and the Asia-Europe Business Forum.
He affirmed that he will direct Vietnam’s ministries, departments and localities to actively implement cooperative agreements in economics, education-training, and security-defence with Laos to further strengthen bilateral relations.
Sayasone expressed his delight at the success of the 2012 Vietnam-Laos Friendship Year, describing it as an important political event and a highlight in the two countries’ relationship.
He highly appreciated Vietnamese businesses’ investment in Laos and expressed hope that they will focus on finishing key and large-scale projects in Laos ’ socio-economic development plan, as well as expanding their operations to disadvantaged provinces in the country.
Within the framework of his visit to Laos, Phuc also attended the inauguration ceremony of a sugarcane factory and a thermo-electricity centre, funded by Hoang Anh Gia Lai Corporation (HAGL), in Attapeu province.
Addressing the ceremony, which was attended by Sayasone and Deputy Prime Minister Somsavad Lengsavath, among others, Phuc hailed HAGL’s efforts in implementing and ensuring the quality of the two projects.
He suggested Vietnamese investors in Laos, especially HAGL, grasp thoroughly the spirit of the Vietnam-Laos cooperation strategy for the 2011-2020 period and the five-year cooperation agreement (2011-2015) between the two countries.
On behalf of the Lao Party and Government, Somsavad Lengsavath expressed his gratitude to the Vietnamese Party and Government for their help to his country over the years. His thanks were also extended to Vietnamese businesses, especially HAGL, which have implemented efficient projects in Laos.