The year 2022 marks special milestones: the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations (September 5, 1962 – September 5, 2022), the 45th anniversary of the signing of the Viet nam-Laos Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation ( July 18, 1977 – July 18, 2022). The Viet Nam-Laos, Laos-Viet Nam Friendship Year 2022 has just been officially launched, within the framework of the official visit to the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam by Lao Prime Minister Phankham Viphavanh. Many exciting activities are held within the framework of the Year of Solidarity and Friendship, affirming the determination of both countries to preserve and cultivate the great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between Viet Nam and Laos.
Cherish the great friendship, special solidarity
As two neighboring countries share mountains and rivers, the fraternal relationship between Viet Nam and Laos has been formed and forged in the history of national construction and defense of the two peoples. The good traditional relationship between the peoples of the two countries was laid by President Ho Chi Minh, President Kaysone Phomvihane and President Suphanouvong, and was founded by generations of leaders of the two countries. The people of the two countries have worked hard to cultivate the great friendship and see it as a valuable asset.
Officially establishing diplomatic relations in 1962, Viet nam and Laos opened a new chapter in the cause of building and further developing relations between the two nations. With a deep awareness of the great significance and special importance of this relationship, the two sides signed the Viet Nam-Laos Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation, affirming their impartiality and commitment to work together, side by side in the cause of independence protection, peace, socio-economic development of each country. This is a solid basis to strengthen and expand the relationship between the two countries, creating a premise for many comprehensive cooperation agreements in the future.
President Suphanouvong once affirmed the close and trustworthy relationship between Laos and Viet Nam: “Mountains may be worn down, rivers may dry up, but Laos – Viet Nam friendship will forever be stronger than mountains and rivers”.
Over the course of 60 years, the relationship between the two countries has become more and more in-depth, practically in all fields, making important contributions to the cause of national construction and development in each country.
“ Viet Nam always attaches great importance to and gives top priority to strengthening the special relationship between Viet Nam and Laos “, said Party General Secretary NguyenPhuTrong
In order to celebrate important events between the two countries in 2022, during the official visit to Viet Nam, from January 8 to 10, 2022, Lao Prime Minister Phankham Viphavanh and Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh launched the Year of Solidarity and Friendship between Viet Nam – Laos, Laos – Viet Nam 2022. Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh stated “The year 2022 has special significance for Viet Nam and Laos. The two countries celebrate the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations and the 45th anniversary of the signing of the friendship and cooperation treaty between Viet nam and Laos. These are events of historical significance, shining milestones, and inculcating special solidarity between the two countries“.
Leaders of Viet Nam and Laos agreed to closely coordinate to organize practical and meaningful activities with profound, relevant and pervasive content in the Viet nam-Laos and Laos-Viet nam Friendship Year 2022. This year’s activities will contribute to communication and education of all classes of people, especially the young generations of the two countries, so that the people of the two countries understand more deeply about the history of special, faithful relationship and good traditions between the two countries, the two peoples to enhance sense of responsibility and more determination in protecting and preserving this priceless relationship.
The Viet Nam – Laos and Laos – Viet Nam Friendship Year 2022 will be held with solemn, rich, practical and vibrant celebrations in both countries. In particular, the two countries focuse on organizing youth and student exchanges , .
“ Jointly implement closely activities to celebrate the national day of the two countries in 2022, which are really meaningful, with the content emphasizing the great special friendship between the two countries so that the international community can see the long-standing tradition of the two nations Laos – Viet Nam“, Prime Minister Phankham Viphavanh stressed.
Enhancing comprehensive cooperation
During the official visit to Viet nam, Lao Prime Minister Phankham Viphavanh and leaders of Viet nam highly appreciated the important and comprehensive achievements that the two countries have achieved over the past years.
State President Nguyen Xuan Phuc said “The potential for cooperation of the two countries is still great; both countries should continue to promote the good and strong political relationship and transform those potentials and advantages into specific cooperation plans, projects and activitiess, bringing practical benefits to the people of the two countries. “
Despite being affected by the Covid-19 epidemic, the Viet Nam-Laos cooperation relationship has still developed positively, becoming more in-depth and effective. The two sides maintain all channels and fields of bilateral cooperation. Cooperation in defense, security, diplomacy and coordination at international and regional forums continues to be strengthened. Cooperation between ministries, agencies and localities is increasingly being promoted.
Especially, bilateral trade turnover reached 1.3 billion USD in 2021, up more than 30% over the same period in 2020; Viet Nam’s investment capital into Laos reached 112 million USD, up 27% over the same period in 2020.
In the prevention and control of the Covid-19 epidemic, the two sides also gave each other timely and practical sharing and support, contributing to preventing the epidemic, as well as promoting socio-economic recovery in each country.
Regarding the direction of cooperation in the coming time, the two sides agreed to continue to maintain high-level visits and contacts under flexible forms; effectively implement the agreements of the two sides’ high-level leaders and the contents at the 44th meeting of the Viet Nam-Laos Intergovernmental Committee; coordinate to effectively implement f protocols and cooperation plans for security-defense; support each other to maintain stability, security and society.
The two sides agreed to strengthen the connection between the two economies, including hard and soft infrastructure connection and helping Laos successfully fulfill its goal of becoming a logistics center in the region and connecting to the sea and ocean.
The two sides commit to coordinate and effectively implement agreements on economic cooperation; resolve difficulties and problems, propose new mechanisms and policies suitable to the specific nature of Viet Nam-Laos relations, create a stable and transparent legal framework, and create a favorable business environment for businesses of the two countries.
“ The National Assembly of Viet nam has been and will be ready to remove all difficulties in law, institutions, and allocate resources to promote projects, especially infrastructure projects with transport connection between the two countries, connecting Laos with Viet Nam’s seaports, contributing to realization of Laos’ goal of having a road to the sea and becoming a regional integration connection center “, said National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue.
Leaders of the two countries also agreed to continue to improve the quality of education-training cooperation, with priority given to cooperation in developing high-quality human resources and training leaders and managers at all levels; strengthen exchanges in culture, sports and tourism; promote cooperation in the fields of clean agriculture, e-commerce, digital transformation and innovation.
The two countries agreed to continue to closely coordinate and support each other at multilateral forums, especially within the framework of the United Nations, ASEAN and the Mekong sub-regional cooperation mechanisms. The two sides affirmed the two countries, with other ASEAN members support Cambodia to successfully assume the role of ASEAN Chair in 2022, maintain solidarity and unity in ASEAN, promote the building of the Community, and enhance the central role of the ASEAN in the region and around the world.
The success of the Viet Nam-Laos and Laos-Viet nam Friendship Year 2022 contributes to great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between Viet Nam and Laos.
(Sources: Nhandan.vn)
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