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| Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong delivers his remarks at a ceremony to celebrate the 60th anniversary of Viet Nam-Laos diplomatic ties and the 45th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation between the two countries, Ha Noi, July 18, 2022. (Photo: VGP) |
The Vietnam-Laos relationship, founded by President Ho Chi Minh, President Kaysone Phomvihane and President Souphanouvong, and nurtured by generations of soldiers and people of both countries, has become a priceless asset and a unique relationship in world history.
This year, the two countries celebrate the 60th anniversary of Vietnam-Laos diplomatic relations (1962-2022) and the 45th anniversary of the signing of the bilateral Treaty of Amity and Cooperation (1977-2022).
Despite difficulties and challenges, including those brought by COVID-19 pandemic, the partnership between the two Parties and countries has continued to grow steadily in a deep and effective manner, while the bilateral political relations have been constantly reinforced and elevated from a traditional friendship to a great friendship, guiding their cooperation in other fields.
The political relationship between the two Parties and the two countries is increasingly close and trusting, which is a solid foundation for the cooperation between the two countries in all fields. Many cooperation projects and works bearing the imprint of the faithful friendship and special relations between Vietnam and Laos have been effectively promoted. Typically, the new Lao National Assembly building inaugurated in 2021, a gift from the Party, State and people of Vietnam to the Party, State and people of Laos, is one of the meaningful symbols of the Vietnam-Laos special relationship in the doi moi (renewal) period.
In terms of economic cooperation, so far Vietnam has poured approximately USD5.4 billion into 214 investment projects throughout Laos, ranking first among 78 countries and territories that receive Vietnamese investment. Following a period of decline, Vietnamese investment in the neighboring country is recording an upturn again in a steady direction. Last year witnessed Vietnamese investment capital in Laos rise by 33.3% year on year to reach USD118.3 million.
Joint projects such as Hanoi-Vientiane Expressway and Vung Ang Port showed the special sentiments, high political trust and brotherhood between the two nations, and are unique projects in the cooperation between the two countries.
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| An art performance at a ceremony held in the Lao capital city of Vientiane on July 18 to mark the 60th anniversary of Vietnam-Laos diplomatic ties (Photo: VNA) |
A number of investment projects by Vietnamese enterprises in Laos have registered an increase in investment capital this year. Many projects have operated effectively, making practical contributions to local socio-economic development, including generating steady jobs for local people, increasing workers’ skills, upgrading infrastructure, and improving people’s living standards.
Defense and security cooperation is one of the important pillars of the Vietnam-Laos relationship. The two countries closely coordinate and support each other in maintaining political stability, ensuring national defense, security, social order and safety in each country, especially preventing and combating transnational crime, and firmly consolidating between the two countries the border of peace, friendship, cooperation and development, thus enhancing exchanges and bonding, making an important contribution to promoting socio-economic development in border localities between the two countries.
Cooperation in education - training and human resource development has always been paid special attention by the Party and State of the two countries. Tens of thousands of Lao students have been studying and researching in Vietnam, and Laos also trains thousands of Vietnamese students. Many of whom have become outstanding leaders, managers and researchers, making important contributions to the development of each country.
Local cooperation, science and technology, environment, health, and culture - society have obtained many positive results. The cooperation in COVID-19 prevention and control between the two countries over the past two years has once again proved that in any circumstances, Vietnam and Laos always stand shoulder to shoulder, side by side and support each other. Despite many difficulties, the two Parties, States and peoples of the two countries have tried their best to provide each other with timely and effective support in terms of resources, medical equipment and vaccines to serve COVID-19 prevention and control.
People-to-people exchange has been promoted and deepened. Currently, all 18 cities and provinces of Laos have set up partnership and twinned relations with Vietnamese localities, including Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
Not only comprehensive and deepening cooperation within the bilateral framework, the special friendship and solidarity between Vietnam and Laos is also affirmed at the multilateral level. The two countries share many common points, support each other, and coordinate closely at international forums such as the United Nations, ASEAN, ASEM, and the Greater Mekong Sub-region.
Vietnam-Laos relations always have a top priority position in the foreign policy of the Party and State of Vietnam. The Party, State and people of Vietnam are always deeply aware that each victory in the cause of the struggle for national liberation and reunification in the past, as well as in the current renewal process of Vietnam, is associated with the solidarity, support and help from the goodwill of the Lao Party, State and people.
During a ceremony held in the Lao capital city of Vientiane on July 18 to mark the 60th anniversary of Vietnam-Laos diplomatic ties, and 45 years of the signing of the Vietnam-Laos Treaty of Amity and Cooperation, Party General Secretary and State President of Laos Thongloun Sisoulith affirmed that in any circumstances, the Lao Party, State and people will always work to preserve and promote the great friendship and special solidarity between the two countries across all spheres for the sake of their peoples./.