Vietnam, Laos launch year of solidarity, friendship
Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc and his Lao counterpart Thongloun Sisoulith launched the Vietnam-Laos Solidarity and Friendship Year 2017 at a ceremony in Vientiane on April 26.
Prime Ministers Nguyen Xuan Phuc (L) and Thongloun Sisoulith launch the Vietnam-Laos Solidarity and Friendship Year 2017 (Photo: VNA)
Vientiane (VNA) – Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phucand his Lao counterpart Thongloun Sisoulith launched the Vietnam-LaosSolidarity and Friendship Year 2017 at a ceremony in Vientiane on April 26.
The event was part of activities to celebrate 55years of the countries’ diplomatic relations and 40 years of the signing of theVietnam-Laos Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation.
In his speech, PM Sisoulith said the launch ofthe Vietnam-Laos Solidarity and Friendship Year 2017 was an occasion to declareto the world the importance of the friendship, special solidarity andcomprehensive cooperation between the two countries. They were set up by latePresidents Ho Chi Minh, Kaysone Phomvihane and Souphanouvong and have beennurtured by generations of Vietnamese and Lao people.
The countries’ relations have been growing sincethe establishment of diplomatic ties, especially since the signing of thetreaty in 1977, he said, noting that the ties have been fruitful across the fields,bringing practical benefits for their people.
Locality-to-locality connections have also beenstrengthened, helping to boost trade and investment partnership, he added.
Speaking at the ceremony, PM Phuc described theVietnam-Laos and Laos-Vietnam Solidarity and Friendship Year 2017 as amilestone that marks a great stride in the two countries’ special relations.
Over the last 55 years, their traditionalfriendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation have been deepenedand expanded in all aspects. What they have achieved is a priceless assetcreated by generations of Vietnamese and Lao leaders and people, he stressed.
He voiced his belief that with joint efforts,the Year will be successful, contributing to the “forever green and foreversustainable” friendship and solidarity of the two nations.
Both leaders said they believe practical andmeaningful celebrations during the Year will intensify bilateral links and helpeducate their people, especially the young, on the two countries’ specialrelations.-VNA
The first official visit to Laos by Nguyen Xuan Phuc in his capacity as Vietnamese Prime Minister from April 26-27 is set to solidify the countries’ cooperation, which has been growing over the last 55 years.
Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Lao Armed Forces, Major General Kham Lieng has underscored the need for Laos and Vietnam to establish close defence coordination along their shared borderline.
PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc’s ongoing visit to Laos is expected to create a new driving force for the traditional friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between the two countries.
Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc and his spouse arrived in Vientiane on April 26 for an official visit to Laos at the invitation of his Lao counterpart Thoonglun Sisoulith.
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Prime Ministers Nguyen Xuan Phuc (L) and Thongloun Sisoulith launch the Vietnam-Laos Solidarity and Friendship Year 2017 (Photo: VNA) 
