A Lao official has highly valued Vietnam’s open foreign policy of diversification and multilateralisation of foreign relations and being a friend of all countries as seen in its support for other countries in the COVID-19 combat.
Saykhong Saynasine, Director of the tertiary education department at the Lao Ministry of Education and Sports and Vice Chairman and Secretary General of the Laos - Vietnam Friendship Association (Photo courtesy of the official)
Vientiane (VNA) – A Lao official has highly valued Vietnam’sopen foreign policy of diversification and multilateralisation of foreignrelations and being a friend of all countries as seen in its support for othercountries in the COVID-19 combat.
Saykhong Saynasine, Director of the tertiary education department at theLao Ministry of Education and Sports, granted an interview to the Vietnam NewsAgency on the occasion of the national conference on foreign affairs.
The official, who is also Vice Chairman and Secretary General of theLaos - Vietnam Friendship Association, said that facing COVID-19, Vietnam hassupported Laos with medical equipment and experts to help fight against thepandemic.
Vietnam has also presented medical supplies to many other countries whileit is also struggling with the spread of the disease, he said, noting that thishas not only illustrated its open foreign policy of diversification andmultilateralisation of foreign relations and being a friend of all countries,but also helped the country reap major successes in external relations,especially in the vaccine diplomacy.
Saykhong described Vietnam as a role model in the pandemic combat,affirming that Laos will keep coordinating closely with Vietnam in COVID-19 controland post-pandemic recovery.
Despite the complex COVID-19 situation in 2021, leaders of Laos andVietnam have continued working together to maintain their countries’ greatfriendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation, he said. He hoped that the two sides would continue coordination and mutual assistance to obtainmore accomplishments in various fields.
The year 2022 will hold special importance to bilateral relations asVietnam and Laos will mark 45 years since the signing of their Treaty of Friendshipand Cooperation (July 18, 1977) and 60 years since the establishmentof bilateral diplomatic ties (September 5, 1962).
On behalf of the Laos - Vietnam Friendship Association, Saykhong pledgedto intensify cooperation with the Vietnam - Laos Friendship Association to helpbolster people-to-people diplomacy and educate the young on the greatfriendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation - a pricelessheritage of the two nations./.
To date, Vietnam has set up diplomatic ties with 189 nations, had economic and trade ties with over 230 countries and territories, and established strategic partnership and comprehensive partnership with 30 countries.
Foreign friends have expressed their impression on Vietnam’s achievements, especially those in external affairs, over the past 35 years of renewal process.
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh spotlighted prominent achievements of the diplomatic sector over the last two years when addressing the 31st Diplomatic Conference that was held in both in-person and online forms in Hanoi on December 15.
A proactive diplomacy that pursues peace is the key helping Vietnam obtain achievements during its integration into the world over the past years and raise its stature in the international arena, a Cuban expert has said.
The Ministry of Commerce reported that imports also rose 18% to 29.9 billion USD during the same period, resulting in a trade surplus of 1.1 billion USD. In May alone, Thailand posted a 4.6 billion USD trade surplus with the US and a 4.1 billion USD trade deficit with China.
The World Bank will provide a 2.1 billion USD financing package for Indonesia, focusing oncreating jobs, stimulating economic growth, and enhancing access to clean energy across the country.
Member states also reviewed progress on six priority areas for 2025, including the development of an underground cable framework, the follow-up agreement to the ASEAN Petroleum Security Agreement (APSA), the launch of the ASEAN Energy Efficiency Database, and the rollout of an investment platform for sustainable building initiatives.
In March, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra met with Formula 1 chief Stefano Domenicali and said Thailand would commission a feasibility study into hosting a Grand Prix on a Bangkok street circuit from 2028.
The proposed giant sea wall aligns with bilateral cooperation and has been designated a national priority, considering that several regions in Indonesia are experiencing land subsidence of 10–15 centimetres per year.
International flights were cancelled including Jetstar and Virgin Australia flights to cities across Australia, and flights of Air India, Air New Zealand, Singapore's TigerAir and China's Juneyao Airlines.
The partnership aims to strengthen collaboration in the exploration and exploitation of mineral resources, including gold, copper, and manganese, as well as in the development of steel, aluminum, and renewable energy industries.
The Thai cabinet has approved a seven-year EV bus leasing scheme proposed by the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) for the capital, with an estimated cost of 15.35 billion THB (over 470 million USD).
Aircraft are prohibited from flying below 6,000 metres in the vicinity of the volcano, and should also remain alert to the presence of volcanic ash, which can disrupt flights.
Laos declared the transfer of the press management functions of five key media agencies and associated personnel to the Propaganda and Training Board of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party Central Committee.
Univers said in a statement that the new centre will serve as a hub for innovation, bringing together digital intelligence and climate ambition to accelerate Sarawak's transition toward a low-carbon, tech-enabled economy.
The target is to be completely free from plastic waste within two years. This can only be achieved if all parties implement the initiative with strong discipline.
Indonesia is taking new steps to improve protections for fishery workers, amid concerns over low wages, harsh working conditions, and limited access to social welfare.
The 2025 ASEAN- the Republic of Korea (RoK) Connectivity Forum that opened in Jakarta on June 17 reaffirmed a shared commitment to shaping a connected, resilient future by advancing the ASEAN Connectivity Strategic Plan.
The desk will serve as a service centre providing market intelligence, business licensing guidance, facilitating business cooperation, identifying potential investment projects, and harmonising regulatory policies between the two parties.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim noted that the Asia-Pacific region accounted for half of global energy consumption and 60% of greenhouse gas emissions in 2024. Despite this, regional countries, including eight of ten ASEAN member states, remain committed to climate goals, including net-zero emissions and tripling global renewable capacity by 2030.