Minister of Technology and Communications and President of the Laos–Việt Nam Friendship Association, Boviengkham Vongdara. — VNA/VNS Photo Xuân Tú

VIENTIANE — The recent state visit to Laos by President Tô Lâm is a success and holds great significance to the special relationship between Việt Nam and its Southeast Asian neighbour, a Lao official said on Monday.

In an interview granted to the Vietnam News Agency (VNA), Minister of Technology and Communications and President of the Laos–Việt Nam Friendship Association, Boviengkham Vongdara spoke highly of the Vietnamese leader's recent visit from July 11-12, made at the invitation of General Secretary of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party (LPRP) Central Committee and President of Laos Thongloun Sisoulith.

That President Lâm chose Laos as the first country to visit as the state leader of Việt Nam demonstrates the special importance the Vietnamese Party, State and people attach to the great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between the two countries, he said.

The official noted that Lâm and Sisoulith witnessed the signing of seven cooperation documents, of them three intergovernmental and the rest in the economy.

They also jointly launched a project on building a resident management and citizen identification system in Laos, which is seen as important to digital transformation in the country.

On this occasion, President Lâm announced Việt Nam's gift of 20 automobiles manufactured by Vietnamese automaker VinFast to the neighbouring country to serve the ASEAN Summit that it will host as the chair of the bloc this year.

Vongdara said the visit helps deepen the great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between the two Parties, States and peoples.

Therefore, despite the complex regional and global situation, as well as economic and financial difficulties in Laos, Việt Nam will always stand by the side of the Lao people in national defence and development, the official stressed and pledged to work harder to strengthen the relationship and make it thrive. — VNS