VIENTIANE – The leaders of Việt Nam and Laos agreed yesterday that the stability and development of their countries, as well as of their special relationship, is critical to national construction and protection.

The two - Party General Secretary Nguyễn Phú Trọng and Party General Secretary and President of Laos Bounnhang Vorachith - met in Vientiane for talks on deepening the Vietnamese-Lao friendship.

The Lao leader congratulated Việt Nam on its achievements during the three decades of reforms, voicing his belief that the country would achieve even greater heights. He also offered sympathies to residents of the central region affected by recent natural disasters.

General Secretary Trọng also congratulated Laos on its reform accomplishments and wished the country further success in national development.

The two leaders agreed to enhance political connections by maintaining meetings between their Party and country leaders, sharing theoretical research and experience in strengthening the Party. The two sides will co-ordinate on organising activities marking key anniversaries in 2017 so as to educate younger generations about the special Việt Nam-Laos unity.

They also stressed the need for stronger defence-security co-operation and economic connectivity, especially in terms of transport infrastructure, energy and tourism.

They will also improve the effectiveness of collaboration in education, training and human resources development, while closely supervising and pushing forward high-level agreements and co-operation programmes .

The two leaders agreed to bolster co-ordination at international and regional forums, particularly the United Nations, ASEAN and co-operation mechanisms in the Greater Mekong Sub-region.

Việt Nam and Laos will also work together to manage and effectively use Mekong River waters to ensure the interests among the Mekong nations and the region’s sustainable development, they said.

The two leaders underscored the importance of maintaining peace, stability, security and safety in the East Sea (internationally known South China Sea). They agreed to boost ASEAN unity on the East Sea issues while pushing for the peaceful settlement of disputes on the basis of international law, including the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, the full and effective implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea, and efforts towards finalising a Code of Conduct in the waters.

They witnessed the signing of seven co-operation agreements.

The Lao Party General Secretary and President accepted an invitation extended by his guest to visit Việt Nam. — VNS