High-ranking leaders of Việt Nam and Laos on Monday exchanged congratulations on the occasion of the 55th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties (September 5) and 40 years of the signing of the Treaty of Amity and Co-operation between the two countries (July 18). — VNA/VNS Photo Trí Dũng

HÀ NỘI — High-ranking leaders of Việt Nam and Laos on Monday exchanged congratulations on the occasion of the 55th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties (September 5) and 40 years of the signing of the Treaty of Amity and Co-operation between the two countries (July 18).

The well-wishers were Party General Secretary Nguyễn Phú Trọng, President Trần Đại Quang, Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc and National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyễn Thị Kim Ngân whose flower baskets and congratulatory messages were sent to Laos’ Party General Secretary and President Bounhang Volachith, Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith and NA Chairwoman Pany Yathotou.

In their messages, the Vietnamese leaders expressed satisfaction with bilateral friendship and co-operation over the past 55 years, which, they said, have contributed to the struggle for national independence as well as national building and development in each country.

The Parties, States and people of Việt Nam and Laos have made every effort to deepen ties in an effective fashion, through diverse co-operation methods and channels of the Party, State and people, they said.

In messages sent to the Vietnamese leaders, the Lao leaders highlighted the friendship, solidarity and combat alliance between the two countries during their past revolutionary cause, creating a firm foundation for the present friendship.

On this occasion, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Phạm Bình Minh, also head of the national steering committee for Việt Nam-Laos friendship year, and Lao Foreign Minister Saleumxay Komasith, a member of Laos’ national steering committee for Việt Nam-Laos friendship year, exchanged congratulatory messages.

Hoàng Bình Quân, head of the Party Central Committee’s Commission for External Relations, also cabled a message of congratulations to his Lao counterpart Sounthone Sayachac.

Joint efforts called to deepen Việt Nam-Laos ties

Lao Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith has suggested fostering all-around ties between his country and Việt Nam, towards deepening the bilateral friendship.

In an interview with Vientiane-based Vietnam News Agency, the Lao government leader stressed the need to improve bilateral relations, which he called a valuable common asset of the two nations.

He called for joint efforts to develop the relationship, especially in educating young generations on the relations.

He lauded significant strides in bilateral ties in politics, defence-security, socio-economic development and human resources development.

This year is important for Việt Nam and Laos as the two nations are celebrating the 55th founding anniversary of diplomatic ties and the 40th anniversary of the signing of the bilateral Treaty of Amity and Co-operation, PM Sisoulith said.

Under the leadership of the Communist Party of Việt Nam and the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party, the two countries have effectively co-ordinated in the international arena, he added.

The Lao leader also expressed joy over economic links between the two countries, as well as increasing investment from his country in Việt Nam, affirming that this has boosted the position of the two nations in the international arena, promoted economic growth and improved living standards.

The two nations should continue working closely to move ties forward, expanding solidarity between the two Parties, Governments and people, he stressed. — VNS