Vietnamese State President receives Lao Prime Minister
President Luong Cuong reaffirmed the Vietnamese Party and State’s consistent policy of attaching importance and giving the highest priority to strengthening the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation with Laos.
State President Luong Cuong (R) receives Prime Minister of Laos Sonexay Siphandone on the sidelines of P4G Summit in Hanoi on April 17. (Photo: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) – State President Luong Cuong on April 17 hosted Prime Minister of Laos Sonexay Siphandone, who is in Vietnam for the ongoing 4th Partnership for Green Growth and the Global Goals 2030 (P4G) Summit.
During the meeting, President Cuong reaffirmed the Vietnamese Party and State’s consistent policy of attaching importance and giving the highest priority to strengthening the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation with Laos.
The leader extended his greetings to the Lao side on the occasion of the traditional New Year festival Bunpimay, as well as his regards and wishes to Party General Secretary and President of Laos Thongloun Sisoulith and other high-ranking leaders of the neighbouring country.
State President Luong Cuong (R) and Prime Minister of Laos Sonexay Siphandone at the meeting in Hanoi on April 17. (Photo: VNA)
Cuong congratulated Laos on its positive achievements across fields, as well as its increasing reputation and position in the region and the world.
The President expressed his belief that Laos will achieve even greater accomplishments, successfully fulfilling the goals set out in the Resolution of the 11th National Party Congress and the 9th five-year socio-economic development plan, paving the way for the successful organisation of the 12th National Party Congress.
For his part, Siphandone expressed his pleasure in attending the P4G Summit and wished the event great success.
He noted hope to soon welcome President Cuong to Laos, and work closely with Vietnam in organising events promoting the solidarity and support for mutual development between the two countries.
The leaders emphasised the traditional relations between the two countries, built and nurtured by President Ho Chi Minh, and President Kaysone Phomvihane and President Souphanouvong, along with generations of leaders of both nations.
They noted with pleasure significant achievements in bilateral relations in recent times, particularly in strengthening political trust, tightening cooperation in security and defence, expanding economic collaboration, and fostering locality-to-locality exchanges./.
The Vietnamese legislature will continue to coordinate with its Lao counterpart in perfecting the legal framework, supervising the implementation of bilateral cooperation agreements, and promoting joint initiatives at regional parliamentary forums, contributing to realising the goals of the two countries, National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man said.
The military youth of Vietnam and Laos are hoped to continue to deepen their understanding of the history, significance, and importance of the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between the two nations.
In an interview granted to Vietnam News Agency in Vientiane, she highlighted close cooperation between the two parties and its significance to each country's revolutionary cause, emphasising that Laos and Vietnam take great pride in their long-standing relationship.
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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.
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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.
