Vientiane (VNA) – The Embassy of Vietnam in Laos hosted a banquetwelcoming the Lunar New Year on the night of January 25.
Minister of Defenceof Laos Chansamone Chanyalath, Governor of Vientiane capital city SinlavongKhutphaythoun, officials from Lao ministries, sectors and localities, OverseasVietnamese, Vietnamese investors and students attended the function.
Addressing the event, Ambassador of Vietnam to Laos Nguyen Ba Hung said though dealingwith big challenges in 2018, Vietnam and Laos continued maintaining theirsocio-political stability, defence and security, and their economic growth washigh in the world.
In the year, the special friendship and solidarity and comprehensivecooperation between the two countries continued growing to contribute tomaintaining peace, stability, cooperation and development in the region and theglobe, he said.
He thanked Laos for always giving wholehearted assistance to Vietnam and promptsupport for the Embassy of Vietnam and Vietnamese businesses and people there.
On behalf of the Laos Party, State and people, Minister of Defence ChansamoneChanyalath congratulated Vietnam on its achievements in 2018.
He expressed his profound thanks to Vietnam for always sending timely immense andefficient assistance to Laos in its past struggle for the national liberation andthe current nation building and defence.
He said Vietnam’s growing role and position on the regional and global arenaswill contribute positively to preserving peace, stability, and cooperation fordevelopment in the region and the world at large.
He wished Vietnamese people would reap greater successes in 2019.-VNA
The 2019 Lunar New Year holiday will fall on February 4-8, which means it will span nine days including the two weekends, according to a newly approved proposal.
The Vietnamese Embassy in Australia on January 19 held a get-together for the Vietnamese community in the country on the occasion of the lunar New Year, the Tet.
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.
The launch of Thanh Nien (Young People) newspaper in 1925, even before the founding of the Communist Party of Vietnam, is considered a testament to President Ho Chi Minh’s strategic foresight and strong belief in the guiding power of the revolutionary media.
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.
Scene at the event (Photo: VNA) 
