Hanoi (VNA) – Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuchosted a reception for Chairwoman of the Lao National Assembly (NA) PanyYathotou in Hanoi on March 5.

PM Phuc lauded the visit of the Lao top legislator, whichcontributes to fostering cooperation between the two countries’ parties, governments,and NAs.

The Vietnamese leader expressed his delight at the positiveresults of partnership between Vietnam and Laos, especially in trade and bordercooperation, as well as the outcomes of the recent Laos visit by Party GeneralSecretary and President Nguyen Phu Trong, which created a strong driving forcefor further collaboration between the two parties and states.

For her part, the Lao NA leader congratulated Vietnam forsuccessfully hosting the second DPRK-USA summit, demonstrating Vietnam’s roleand contributions in building peace and stability in the world.

She said that over the years, the NAs of Vietnam and Laoshave collaborated closely and fruitfully.

During her visit, the two legislative bodies will promote theefficiency of their affiliation, she said, adding that the Lao delegation has learnta lot from the experience of the Vietnamese side in many areas, including landmanagement policy.

In a working session with leaders of Hanoi, the delegation learntabout the city’s implementation of the Vietnamese government’s directions andNA’s resolutions, she noted. The delegation also visited an economic modelapplicable to Laos in Hanoi.

Lao NA leader Pany Yathotou thanked the Party, State,Government, and NA of Vietnam for helping Laos in the construction of a newbuilding for the Lao NA. She stressed that the Vietnamese government and the PMhave always offered timely and effective support to Lao people in many areas,especially in overcoming the consequences of the Attapeu hydropower damcollapse, which shows the special solidarity and borderless assistance thatVietnamese people have given to their Lao friends.

PM Phuc said that although Vietnam still faces manydifficulties, the country has always been willing to give whole-hearted supportto the Lao people.

He proposed that the NAs of Vietnam and Laos continueworking together to reinforce the special ties by maintaining high-level visitsand bilateral cooperation mechanisms; expanding and enhancing the efficiency ofpartnership in various areas such as security, defence, economy, trade, andinvestment; and strengthening communications and education on the tradition ofthe Vietnam-Laos special solidarity among youngsters.

The two sides should continue supporting each other atinternational and regional forums, especially the UN and ASEAN, as well assub-regional mechanisms; while increasing the sharing of information,experience, and expertise; and coordinating closely at regional andinternational inter-parliamentary forums, he suggested.

PM Phuc expressed his hope that Vietnam and Laos will workclosely together with one another and with other countries and organisations insustainably managing and using the Mekong River’s water resources, responsibly exploitinghydropower resources to ensure water security for the interest of all concernedsides and people.

Vietnam is willing to cooperate with and assist Laos inrealising its strategy of energy development, including hydropower energy,stated the PM. –VNA