Lao parliament leader concludes official visit to Vietnam
Chairwoman of the Lao National Assembly (NA) Pany Yathotou and a parliamentary delegation wrapped up on March 10 the official visit to Vietnam at the invitation of her counterpart Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan.
Chairwoman of the Lao National Assembly Pany Yathotou (L) and other Lao officials visit a submerged forest in Dat Mui commune, Ngoc Hien district of Ca Mau province (Photo: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) – Chairwoman of the Lao NationalAssembly (NA) Pany Yathotou and a parliamentary delegation wrapped up on March10 their official visit to Vietnam at the invitation of her counterpart NguyenThi Kim Ngan.
During the trip from March 5, the parliamentarydelegations of Vietnam and Laos had talks. The countries’ top legislatorswitnessed the signing of a cooperation agreement between the two NAs andanother between the two NA Offices for 2017-2021.
The Lao delegation paid cordial visits to PartyGeneral Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong and President Tran Dai Quang, and met withPrime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc. They also received representatives of theVietnam-Laos Friendship Association and the National Liaison Committee ofVietnamese voluntary soldiers and military experts in Laos.
Pany Yathotou also co-chaired a workshop onmanagement decentralisation from central and grassroots levels in Laos andVietnam.
At the meetings, the two sides consideredYathotou’s visit as a contribution to the special solidarity and comprehensivecooperation between the two Parties, States and NAs.
They agreed to enhance coordination toeffectively carry out cooperation documents, programmes and plans. Theyconcurred in maintaining mutual visits by their senior leaders, increasingdelegation exchanges, and stepping up information sharing and cooperation todeal with emerging issues in a timely manner.
On this occasion, the Lao delegation paidtribute to late President Ho Chi Minh and visited Ho Chi Minh City, Ca Mauprovince and Bac Lieu province.-VNA
The Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union (HCYU) and the Lao People’s Revolutionary Youth Union (LPRYU) on March 9 handed over the Vietnam-Laos border friendship youth village project to Khamkeut district in the Lao central province of Bolikhamsai.
Lao National Assembly Chairwoman Pany Yathotou has called on the southern province of Bac Lieu and Lao localities to increase experience exchanges to address socio-economic issues.
The Vietnam – Laos border youth friendship village was handed over to the Lao People’s Revolutionary Youth Union in Khamkout district, the Lao province of Bolikhamsay on March 9.
New Zealand is currently one of Vietnam’s most important partners in the region, marked by a high level of political trust, strong and reliable defence and security cooperation, and increasingly open economic, trade, and investment ties.
Party General Secretary To Lam stressed that the Central Public Security Party Committee must be fully aware of the extremely important role of the People's Public Security force in the country's new revolutionary phase, so as to guide each branch and level of the force as the nation undergoes transformation.
Addressing concerns over university education spending, Son explained that as public universities gain greater autonomy, the Ministry of Finance has scaled back recurrent state funding. “Over the past decade, as autonomy has increased, the State's support has steadily declined”, he noted
Lao Minister of Foreign Affairs Thongsavanh Phomvihane affirmed that the presence of Vietnamese press offices in Laos vividly demonstrates the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between the two nations, as the press is not only a means of communication but also an important bridge for spreading consciousness about the history, values, and strategic depth of the Laos – Vietnam relationship to the people of both countries and the international community.
The country is willing to participate in collective efforts to promote cooperation and mobilise resources to advance the current priority issues of developing countries, such as trade, investment, infrastructure connectivity, making the most of scientific and technological advances for development, and people-to-people exchanges, Hang said.
During the negotiations, the US highly evaluated Vietnam’s goodwill and efforts, affirmed its appreciation for the bilateral relationship, acknowledged Vietnam’s proposals and concerns, and considered these an important basis for continuing discussions and moving towards a final agreement.
The Chairman stressed the need for stricter fiscal discipline, faster digital transformation, and more efficient management of State budget revenues and expenditures.
The ministry has instructed Vietnamese representative agencies in Israel, Iran, as well as those in neighbouring countries, to closely monitor the situation and request local authorities to ensure absolute safety for Vietnamese citizens living, studying, and working in high-risk areas.
Senior Vietnamese leaders on June 19 sent letters of congratulations to New Zealand leaders on the occasion of the 50th founding anniversary of Vietnam – New Zealand diplomatic relations (June 19, 1975 – 2025).
The Party chief attributed the achievements in the first half to the continuous, direct, and comprehensive leadership of the Politburo and the Secretariat of the Party Central Committee, and the close and effective coordination of relevant ministries, sectors and localities.
General Nguyen Tan Cuong, Chief of the VPA’s General Staff and Deputy Minister of National Defence reaffirmed Vietnam’s unwavering gratitude for Cuba’s invaluable support during its struggle for independence and nation-building efforts, and pledged to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Cuba as it navigates current challenges.
Vietnam is a country with which Russia shares a special relationship. In the 1950s and 60s, particularly during Vietnam’s struggle for independence, the two countries forged a deep bond. While much has changed over time, the friendship and cooperation between our nations have endured, said Russian President Vladimir Putin.
For 50 years, Vietnam and New Zealand have worked together to uphold peace and prosperity for their peoples and the region. The friendship, cooperation, and mutual understanding Vietnam and New Zealand nurtured have grown from a seed into a deeply rooted, strong, and thriving tree, she stressed.
Since the Strategic Partnership was established in 2020, Vietnam and New Zealand have witnessed steady growth in the relations. Beyond the remarkable 40% increase in bilateral trade over five years, political relations and multilateral interactions, particularly within the CPTPP framework, have remained highly positive.
Known as the “four pillars for Vietnam’s ascend”, the Pobiburo's Resolutions 57, 59, 66, and 68 focus on cultivating a robust national entrepreneurial spirit, unlocking resources for innovation across society, and accelerating the development of digital economy, knowledge-based economy, green economy, and circular economy, propelling Vietnam forward rapidly and firmly on the path of modernisation and international integration.
Minister of Finance Nguyen Van Thang cleared up deputies' concern regarding how to spur socio-economic growth, renew traditional growth motives and establish new momentum for development.
Vietnam proposed several priorities: narrowing the digital divide, strengthening women’s leadership in the digital economy and AI governance, and mobilising sustainable financing for gender equality initiatives in line with each country’s national priorities and context. Vietnam also advocated for genuine women’s participation and leadership across all areas of public life.
Chairwoman of the Lao National Assembly Pany Yathotou (L) and other Lao officials visit a submerged forest in Dat Mui commune, Ngoc Hien district of Ca Mau province (Photo: VNA) 
