HÀ NỘI — Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc said the Vietnamese Party, Government, and people cherish the relationship with Laos, considering it a valuable asset in the two countries’ revolutionary cause.

His comment was made during the meeting held to receive Lao Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith, who is on a four-day visit to Việt Nam, starting Monday.

At the meeting, PM Phúc expressed his appreciation for PM Sisoulith’s visit, especially with the two countries celebrating the Việt Nam – Laos friendship year.

At the meeting, leaders of the two countries reviewed the implementation of co-operation agreements, bilateral investment and trade projects, and discussed solutions to challenges in order to meet their goals.

The two sides agreed to continue high-level exchanges and visits and realise the agreements achieved at the 39^th meeting of the Việt Nam – Laos intergovernmental committee in Hà Nội earlier this year as well as the visits by Vietnamese high-level officials to Laos.

The two countries will focus on accelerating key projects like the Laos National Assembly building – a gift from Việt Nam to Laos, the Hà Nội – Vientiane expressway, Hòn La oil and gas bonded warehouse and pipeline in the central province of Quảng Bình, ports in the Vũng Áng Port area, and several other energy and traffic connectivity projects.

The two Prime Ministers also concurred to increase trade turnover between the two countries, facilitate Vietnamese businesses investing in Laos, and to boost ties in defence and security as well as education and training.

With 2017 Việt Nam – Laos friendship year, PM Phúc and PM Sisoulith agreed that the two countries will promote awareness programmes aiming to educate younger generations on the unique friendship between Laos and Việt Nam. — VNS