Vientiane (VNA) – Lao Prime Minister Thongloun Sioulith applauded thecooperation and support of Vietnam’s Vinh Phuc province for Laos’ northern localitiesduring his reception for a delegation of the province’s representatives inVientiane on March 29.

Despite its own difficulties, the Vietnamese side has maintained support for several poor Lao localities, he said, noting this reflects thefriendship and special relationship between the two countries.

The leader called on Vinh Phuc to continue its collaboration and assistance fora number of the northern Lao provinces which are still under difficultcircumstances, especially Luang Namtha.

Hecommitted to creating conditions for businesses from Vinh Phuc and Vietnam ingeneral to invest in the northern region of Laos, contributing to economicdevelopment in the country and bringing interests to both sides.

Secretary of Vinh Phuc province’s Party Committee Hoang Thi Thuy Lan, who ledthe delegation, noted with pleasure the intensive, pragmatic, and effectivedevelopment of the Vietnam-Laos special relationship, as well as new steps of development in the friendship between Vinh Phuc and Laos’ northern provinces.

Informing the host of the outcomes of her working sessions with leaders of the northernLao provinces, the official said her visit aims to promote cooperation as wellas cultural and educational exchanges between Vietnam and Laos, while also seekingout investment opportunities.

Lan pledged to enhance collaboration and provide more support in personneltraining and material facilities for Laos.

Leaders of the Lao provinces also agreed to step up cooperation, delegationexchanges, as well as educational and cultural links with Vinh Phuc, she said,suggesting the Lao PM further facilitate the affiliation between Vinh Phuc andLao localities.

During working sessions with leaders of Luang Prabang, Udomxay, and LuangNamtha provinces from March 25-28, the two sides also agreed to intensify collaborationin investment, delegation exchanges, and cultural and educational links betweenthe localities.

They will support each other in optimising the potential of each side andcreate conditions for businesses to study the investment environment and set upcooperation, especially in tourism.

TheVinh Phuc delegation also visited the Vietnamese Embassy in Laos.

Vinh Phuc has so far established friendly relations with the capital city of Vientianeand eight other cities and provinces in Laos.

Over the years, Vinh Phuc has given special support to northern Lao localitiesin infrastructure development in the fields of education and healthcare, withtotal funding amounting to tens of millions of US dollars.

The province has also granted scholarships to hundreds of students from Laos’northern localities.–VNA