President Nguyễn Xuân Phúc receives visiting President of the Lao National Assembly Xaysomphone Phomvihane in Hà Nội on Monday. VNA/VNS Photo Thống Nhất

HÀ NỘI – President Nguyễn Xuân Phúc affirmed Việt Nam’s consistent policy of prioritising and developing special solidarity with Laos while receiving President of the Lao National Assembly Xaysomphone Phomvihane in Hà Nội on Monday.

Phúc highly appreciated and thanked Saysomphone for choosing Việt Nam as the first country to visit in his capacity as President of the Lao NA, showing that the Lao Party, NA and Xaysomphone have attached importance to the great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between the two countries.

He also congratulated the Lao Party, State and people on the occasion of the 46th National Day of Laos (December 2).

The Vietnamese leader suggested the Parties, States and people of the two nations foster bilateral ties, maintain high-level visits and bilateral cooperation mechanisms, expand and improve the efficiency of cooperation in the fields of national defence-security, economy, trade, investment, energy and education-training.

He proposed jointly holding activities during Việt Nam – Laos, Laos – Việt Nam Friendship and Solidarity Year 2022 to mark the 60th founding anniversary of diplomatic ties and the 45th anniversary of the signing of the Việt Nam – Laos Treaty of Amity and Cooperation.

Phúc also suggested the two nations work closely together and support each other at international forums, especially at the United Nations and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

Việt Nam will do its best to nurture the great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation with Laos, especially in economic development, to bring practical benefits to the people of both countries, he stated.

Xaysomphone, for his part, conveyed the regards from senior Lao Party and State leaders to Phúc.

He also informed the Vietnamese President about the outcomes of his earlier talks with National Assembly Chairman Vương Đình Huệ and his meeting with Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính, including Vietnam’s assistance to Laos in the fight against COVID-19. VNS