Vietnam and Laos should maintain the regular exchange of delegations and high-ranking officials and strive to turn economic, trade and investment cooperation into a pillar of bilateral relations, President Nguyen Xuan Phuc said on Tuesday while receiving Vice President of Laos Pany Yathotou, who is on an official visit to Vietnam. Mr. Phuc stressed the need to enhance cooperation in defense, security, education-training, healthcare, people-to-people exchanges, partnerships between localities, and continue mutual support at international forums, especially in maintaining solidarity and the central role of ASEAN.

Vice President Yathotou thanked Vietnam for its support to Laos during the past struggle for national independence as well as the current cause of national construction, protection and development, saying that she will spare no efforts in strengthening the Laos-Vietnam great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation.

During a reception for the Lao guest the same day, National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue congratulated the Lao Party, State and people on their great achievements across fields and pledged to make every effort to enhance the relationship between Vietnam and Laos.

Mr. Hue stressed that the Vietnamese legislature is ready to consider and remove institutional obstacles in order to facilitate cooperation between businesses of the two countries, contributing to raising two-way trade and advancing the economic, trade and investment ties.

Vice President Yathotou lauded Chairman Hue’s initiative to establish a cooperation mechanism between the legislative bodies of Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia to share opinions and experience in a more timely and effective manner.

During talks with her Lao counterpart, Vice President Vo Thi Anh Xuan said she believes that the official visit by Yathotou will contribute to consolidating the great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Laos.

The Vice Presidents agreed to strengthen collaboration in national defence and security, transport, education-training and culture-sports, as well as cooperation between localities.

They affirmed their resolve to elevate the two countries’ economic ties on par with their special relationship, continue to address difficulties facing businesses, and expand infrastructure connectivity in transport, energy, telecommunications and the digital economy.

This is the first official visit to Vietnam by Ms. Yathotou in her capacity as Vice President of Laos.

Source: VOV5