Vietnamese, Lao embassies in China hold friendship exchange
The embassies of Vietnam and Laos in China held a friendship exchange in Beijing on August 13 in celebration of the 60th anniversary of the two countries’ diplomatic ties (September 5) and 45 years since of signing of the Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation (July 18).
Vietnamese Ambassador to China Pham Sao Mai (R) and his Lao countepart Khamphao Ernthavanh at the frienship exchange in Beijing on August 13 (Photo: nhandan.vn)
Beijing (VNA) – The embassies of Vietnam and Laosin China held a friendship exchange in Beijing on August 13 in celebration ofthe 60th anniversary of the two countries’ diplomatic ties (September5) and 45 years since of signing of the Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation (July18).
In his opening speech, Vietnamese Ambassador Pham Sao Mai saidover the last 60 years, the traditional and close relations betweenVietnam and Laos, founded by late Presidents Ho Chi Minh, Kaysone Phomvihane andSouphanouvong and nurtured by generations of the two countries’ leaders andpeople, have surmounted countless difficulties and challenges to become anexemplary, faithful and rare relationship.
The upgrade of the “traditional friendship” to the “greatfriendship” during Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong’s official visit toLaos in February 2019 was a historic milestone creating a breakthrough forbilateral cooperation, he noted.
Consolidating and developing the special relationship withLaos is the top priority of Vietnam’s foreign policy, he went on, adding thatfor many years, the two countries’ embassies have maintained cooperation andmutual support at forums and activities in China, greatly helping fulfill theirdiplomatic tasks, build a united and strong ASEAN Community, and contribute to activitiesof the diplomatic corps in Beijing.
For her part, Lao Ambassador Khamphao Ernthavanh highlightedthe two countries’ constant support and assistance, describing their specialsolidarity and friendship as unique and incomparable.
She also took this occasion to congratulate Vietnam on itsenormous attainments in socio-economic development.
The friendship exchange featured many sports activities andmusical performances reflecting the close ties between the two embassies./.
Vietnam and Laos have made great contributions to the building of the ASEAN Community, Lao Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Saleumasay Kommasith has affirmed.
Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong hosted a reception in Hanoi on August 10 for Anouphap Tounalom, Secretary of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party (LPRP) Central Committee, and Secretary of the Party Committee and Chairman of the People’s Council of Vientiane.
Vietnamese and Lao authorities and businesses exchanged information about investment policies in Hanoi and Vientiane, and sought cooperation opportunities at an investment, trade and tourism conference on August 10.
Trade between Vietnam and Laos rose 24.2% in the first seven months of this year to nearly 949 million USD, with Vietnam's export value of nearly 586 million USD, reported the Vietnam Trade Office in Laos.
The Central Committee of the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union held a cultural exchange from children from Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia in Ho Chi Minh City on August 13.
Stronger efforts and determination are required to achieve and surpass the set targets, especially in the eradication of makeshift and dilapidated houses nationwide, the acceleration of public investment disbursement, and the implementation of nationally important transport projects, PM Pham Minh Chinh noted.
The trip will be made at the invitations of Chinese Premier Li Qiang and WEF President and CEO Børge Brende, according to an announcement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Long spoke highly of the dynamic, positive, and comprehensive development of Vietnam – Russia relations in recent years. He affirmed that the Vietnamese Party and State place great importance on further strengthening the comprehensive strategic partnership with Russia in a substantive and effective manner, in line with the development needs of both nations.
At the conference, participants reported that the Government has so far issued 28 decrees on the delegation of responsibilities and powers between the central Government and two-tier local administrations. Several localities have already piloted the new governance model.
Reality is the ultimate benchmark for success, he said, urging drafting agencies to work out policies that foster development, reduce bureaucratic hurdles, and respect practical conditions.
Under the official dispatch signed on June 20, ministers, heads of ministerial-level agencies, and chairpersons of provincial and municipal People’s Committees are requested to concentrate efforts on implementing core measures to ensure the smooth operations of the new administrative framework.
The Party chief underscored the need for the press to innovate relentlessly, evolve to keep pace with the country's development, transform into a truly professional, humanistic, and modern sector that serves the cause of the Party, the State, and the people on the path to national construction and development.
The UN Secretary-General praised Vietnam’s remarkable achievements in socio-economic development and international integration in recent years, noting that the country has emerged as a model in implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), promoting international peace and security, and engaging in key UN processes.
Nghia affirmed that this is a milestone of special significance, affirming and honouring the the Vietnamese revolutionary press’s glorious tradition of 100 years of serving the revolutionary cause of the Party, serving the Fatherland, and serving the people.
The Party and State of Vietnam always attach great importance to and give top priority to the development of Vietnam–China relations. Vietnam is ready to work with the Chinese Party and State to further deepen the Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership and promote the building of the Vietnam-China community with a shared future that carries strategic significance.
Under the leadership of President Ho Chi Minh and the CPV, President Cuong said, the press has been a steadfast force on the ideological and cultural front, rallying the masses to pursue national aspirations.
NA Chairman Tran Thanh Man stressed the need to accelerate the application of artificial intelligence and smart teaching equipment, innovate teaching and assessment methods, and further improve the quality of formal education.
He also pledged that the NA will promote its ongoing supervision, making sure that every promise must lead to results, and every commitment must bring about real changes.
Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien welcomed the proposals put forward by the US side and reiterated Vietnam’s request for consideration of key areas of interest, including reciprocal tariff policies and access for Vietnamese key export products to the US market.
Deputy PM Le Thanh Long proposed countries promote shared values, including building trust, sincerity, and solidarity among nations and peoples; fostering cooperation spirit and responsible behaviour as well as upholding international law and the UN Charter; and placing people at the centre and as the goal, the key player, and the driving force of all policies.
The show, together with a grand parade to be held silmutaneously at Ba Dinh Square in Hanoi, will celebrate the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution, the National Day, and the General Staff of the Vietnam People’s Army (VPA).
In particular, in April 2023, the two sides successfully carried out a joint operation that dismantled a major organised, transnational drug trafficking ring involving both Vietnamese and Cambodian suspects.
The Vietnamese Embassy in Israel is closely coordinating with relevant local agencies to stay informed and provide the utmost support possible for Vietnamese nationals.
Vietnamese Ambassador to China Pham Sao Mai (R) and his Lao countepart Khamphao Ernthavanh at the frienship exchange in Beijing on August 13 (Photo: nhandan.vn) 
