Vietnam-Laos cultural and tourism ties contribute to each country’s development
There has been dynamic and lively cultural exchange and cooperation between Vietnam and Laos over recent years, contributing to the development of each country in the new period, according to Lao Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism Suansavanh Viyaketh.
Lao Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism Suansavanh Viyaketh (Photo: VNA)
Vientiane (VNA) – There has been dynamic and livelycultural exchange and cooperation between Vietnam and Laos over recent years,contributing to the development of each country in the new period, according toLao Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism Suansavanh Viyaketh.
The Vietnamese and Lao culture sectors have boosted active cooperation, experience exchange and support for each other to grow together,Suansavanh said in an interview with the Vietnam News Agency (VNA)'s resident correspondents on the occasion of the60th founding anniversary of diplomatic ties (September 5,1962 – 2022) and the 45th year of the signing of the Vietnam-Laos Treaty ofAmity and Cooperation (July 18, 1977 – 2022).
Laos has received support from Vietnam in the first phase constructionof the national school of music and arts as well as various scholarships for short-termand long-term training courses in music, circus performance, fine arts, cinemaand others, she said, adding that a number of Vietnamese books and documents inpolitics, economics and culture have been translated into the Lao language.
The two countries have also cooperated in producing films onthe bilateral friendship and partnership, the minister noted.
In terms of tourism, Vietnam ranked third in the numberof tourist arrivals to Laos in 2019 with around 1 million visitors. Many Vietnameseand Lao visitors showed particular interest in exploring history of the other country,allowing the people of the two nations to better understand the traditional ties and becomecloser, she said.
With such a good bilateral relationship, Vietnam and Laosmust pay greater attention to boosting cooperation in tourism so they can welcomemore visitors from the other, the minister said.
She suggested that the two sides shouldfurther facilitate cross-border travel, encourage enterprises of both countries to develop regional tourism programmes, organise workshops andexperience-sharing events for both public and private sectors, and togetherpromote the distinctive beauty of their destinations.
Suansavanh unveiled that to mark the Vietnam – Lao Solidarity andFriendship Year 2022, her ministry and the Vietnamese Ministry of Culture,Sports and Tourism will work together to host a series of celebrations. They include a Lao culture week in Vietnam held in parallel with asimilar event of Vietnamese culture in Laos from July 18 – 22, featuring photoexhibitions on the bilateral partnership and cultural and arts exchange events./.
Vietnam and its National Assembly (NA) alway consider strengthening and developing the special solidarity with Laos a top priority, affirmed NA Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue while hosting visiting Vice Chairman of the Lao NA Sommad Pholsena on July 13.
Minister of Transport Nguyen Van The and Lao Minister of Public Works and Transport Viengsavath Siphandone held a working session in Hanoi on July 14, during which they discussed transport cooperation plans between the two countries in 2022 and the following years.
The Border Guard Command of the central province of Quang Binh organised a Vietnam-Laos friendship exchange programme at the provincial border guard level on July 14 and 15.
A delegation of the Lao Federation of Trade Unions (LFTU) Central Committee led by its President Aly Vong Nor Bun Tham paid a working visit to the northern province of Ha Nam on July 16.
The Vietnam-Laos relations have been special and rare ties with loyalty and purity, a priceless asset, a rule for existence and development of both countries and a decisive factor for the success of the revolution in each nation, Lao Ambassador to Vietnam Sengphet Houngboungnuang has said.
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.
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.
Lao Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism Suansavanh Viyaketh (Photo: VNA)
