Lao Deputy PM Thongloun Sisoulith made the remarks during an interview granted to a VOV reporter on the sidelines of the 3^rd Ayayewady-Chao Phraya-Mekong Economic Cooperation Strategy (ACMECS) Summit held recently in Hanoi.

Reporter: Could you give your assessment on the friendship and cooperation between Laos and Vietnam?

Lao Deputy PM Thongloun Sisoulith: Laos and Vietnam have enjoyed a close, long-lasting and historic relationship of friendship and cooperation in all aspects. Under the wise leadership and guidance of our beloved late presidents, Ho Chi Minh and Kaysone Phomvihane, who first fostered the friendly ties between the two brotherly nations, the two parties, governments and peoples of Lao and Vietnam valiantly fought side by side, shared hardships and happiness, and victoriously brought about national independence to the two peoples.

Since 1975, our two friendly nations have continued to strengthen and deepen their time-honoured historic relationship which includes among other things, strong political ties, close co-operation in national defense and security, education-culture, trade and economic collaboration and foreign relations.

In recent years in particular, co-operation in the fields of human resource development, economy and trade has proved very fruitful. The recent figures have shown that there has been a significant increase of Vietnamese investors in Laos with 142 projects with a total capitalisation of over US$700 million, ranking 3^rd among major foreign investors in Laos. Likewise, bilateral trade cooperation has made considerable progress. Further along the line, the two countries resolve to achieve a bilateral trade volume of US$1 billion by 2010 and US$2 billion by 2015.

Reporter: What specific aspects of cooperation between the two countries that have not yet been fully exploited?

Lao Deputy PM Thongloun Sisoulith: I am of the view that Vietnamese and Lao business should continue to explore untapped potential and promote bilateral investment co-operation for the mutual benefit of the two countries.

Laos offers great potential in hydropower development, mining, agriculture, services and other sectors, all of which, to a large extent, will contribute to the national economic advancement of Laos, as well as strengthen our special friendship and comprehensive co-operation between our two parties, states and peoples in a more effective way, thus expediting our two nation’s integration into the global economy.

PM Nguyen Tan Dung (left) receives Lao Deputy PM Thongloun Sisoulith

Reporter: Vietnam and Laos coordinate different aspects within ACMECS cooperation. How can they cooperate with each other to fulfill the set targets?

Lao Deputy PM Thongloun Sisoulith: First I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to the Government of Vietnam for its successful hosting of the 4^th Cambodia-Laos-Myanmar-Vietnam (CLMV) Summit and the 3rd Ayayewady-Chao Phraya-Mekong Economic Cooperation Strategy (ACMECS) Summit in Hanoi.

To answer your question, each country undertakes different aspects in the ACMECS cooperation framework. Vietnam is in charge of human resource training while Laos coordinates transport. Laos wants to cooperate with Vietnam and Cambodia to develop a trans-national transport network.

In addition, Laos and Vietnam have been effectively cooperating in the field of education and training. At present, about 4,000 Lao students are studying in Vietnamese universities and colleges.

Reporter: Vietnam successfully organised the 22^nd SEA Games in 2003. The region’s largest sporting event will be hosted by Laos next year. In what aspects do you think Laos can cooperate with Vietnam to ensure the successful organisation of the event?

Lao Deputy PM Thongloun Sisoulith: It is a great honor and pride for Laos to host the 25^th SEA Games in the capital Vientiane at the end of 2009. Indeed, next year’s SEA Games will be a historic event for Laos. We are currently focusing on the preparation for the said event by upgrading and constructing stadiums, training facilities, and residences for athletes as well as other sports facilities to support different categories of sports and to ensure a pleasant and comfortable environment for those who will be participating in the upcoming event.

For hosting the Games, Laos has received support and assistance from many friendly countries in various areas among them, the Government and people of Vietnam have rendered their kind support for the construction of dormitories for athletes in the amount of US$19 million, the construction of a training facility in the amount of US$4 million, and the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Vietnam has provided necessary training for Lao athletes in many categories.

May I take this opportunity to express our sincere appreciation to the party, government and our Vietnamese brothers for the generous support and assistance extended to us.

I also wish to express my great sympathy to the party, government and people of Vietnam, especially to the families of our Vietnamese friends who have been severely affected by the recent flood.

Reporter: Thank you.