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PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc (R) and his Lao counterpart Thongloun Sisoulith (L), Ha Noi, February 8, 2017 - Photo: VGP/Quang Hieu
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PM Phuc warmly welcomed his Lao counterpart and the high-ranking government delegation, the first foreign visitors to Viet Nam at the beginning of the Lunar New Year.
“Viet Nam and Laos enjoy a unique relations in the world,” said Mr. Phuc, adding that Viet Nam always spares no effort to support the neighboring country in national development and joint coordination at international and regional forums.
For his part, PM Thongloun Sisoulith was convinced that under the co-chair of the two PMs, both sides would hold frank and open discussions.
Signing four documents
After the meeting, the two sides inked four documents including an agreement on cooperation plan between the two Governments in 2017; the minute of the 39th meeting of the Viet Nam-Laos Intergovernmental Committee; a cooperative plan between the Vietnamese Ministry of Education and Training and the Lao Ministry of Education and Sports; and the minute on the establishment of a joint venture on the Lao-Viet Nam 500 kV electricity transmission line construction project.
The two PMs took part in a press conference to announce the outcomes of their discussion.
Accordingly, the two sides hailed the bilateral comprehensive cooperation. In 2016, both sides fruitfully realized agreements at all levels. Especially, the cooperation in politics, diplomacy, national defense, security, economics, social culture, and people-to-people diplomacy were strengthened and broadened. So far, over 14,000 Lao students and pupils are studying in Viet Nam. At the meeting, the two sides approved of fresh mechanisms to promote the bilateral ties.
So far, Vietnamese investors have poured around US$ 3.7 billion of capital into the neighboring country via over 400 projects.
Celebrating Viet Nam-Laos Relations
PM Phuc revealed that the two sides agreed to realize declarations and agreements of the two Politburos and others agreements; beef up political and diplomatic relations, national security, investment, and trade to a new height; strive for a 10% two-way trade growth in 2017.
Both sides agreed to shake hands in training human resources; develop transport infrastructure projects; manage water and natural resource in a sustainable manner.
The two countries have already figured out orientations to successfully organize the Viet Nam-Laos Friendship and Solidarity Year in 2017; celebrate the 55th founding anniversary of diplomatic ties and the 40th anniversary of the signing of the bilateral Treaty of Amity and Cooperation.
The two countries also pledged to support and work together at regional and international forums.
PM Phuc pledged to direct ministries, agencies, and localities to work with Lao partners to enforce commitments at the meeting and create the best ways for businesses to boost operation in Laos.
Finally, the Vietnamese PM believed that the meeting would generate a new momentum for the bilateral ties in a more practical fashion, contributing to nurturing the traditional, special comprehensive ties.
In reply, PM Thongloun Sisoulith highlighted the significance of 2017 and promised to enforce the four documents soon./.
By Huong Giang
