Party General Secretary, President Nguyễn Phú Trọng (r) welcomes his Lao counterpart Bounnhang Vorachith and a high-ranking delegation from the Lao Party and State on Monday. — VNA/VNS Photo Trí Dũng

HÀ NỘI — Party General Secretary, President Nguyễn Phú Trọng on Monday hosted a reception for his Lao counterpart Bounnhang Vorachith and a high-ranking delegation from the Lao Party and State.

The Lao leader is on a Việt Nam visit to attend the ceremony to mark the 70th anniversary of the Traditional Day of Vietnamese Volunteer Soldiers and Experts in Laos.

Hailing their visit, the Vietnamese leader described it as a source of encouragement for the Vietnamese Party, State, army and people, especially former Vietnamese soldiers who served in Laos. 

He highlighted the close fraternity between the two nations who have stood shoulder to shoulder with each other in their struggles for national liberation and construction. 

The leader congratulated Laos on the country’s achievements, expressing his belief that under the leadership of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party (LPRP), the Lao people will reap further results in the renewal process, realise all targets set by the 10th Congress of the LPRP, and successfully hold party congresses at all levels. 

For his part, Bounnhang Vorachith expressed his delight at the robust relations between the two countries which have been developed in various sectors and brought benefits to each people.

He thanked Việt Nam for its wholehearted support in the past, saying Laos will work with Việt Nam to carry out agreements inked between the two Parties and States, contributing to elevating the great friendship to a new high.

The Lao leader spoke highly of the roles of Vietnamese soldiers in Laos, saying they made positive contributions to the Lao revolution.

The Lao Party, State and people always feel immense gratitude to the relatives of Vietnamese martyrs, wounded soldiers, and former Vietnamese soldiers who served in Laos, he said.
At the event, both leaders agreed the celebration will offer a good occasion for the two countries to look back on their special solidarity, and show gratitude to the contributions by the Vietnamese soldiers to the revolutionary causes of the two Parties, as well as independence and freedom of the two peoples.

Meeting NA Chairwoman

The Lao leader also met with Chairwoman of the National Assembly Nguyễn Thị Kim Ngân the same day.

The top legislator, also a Politburo member, described Vorachith's visit as a vivid illustration of the great friendship, combat alliance and solidarity between the two Parties, States, armies and peoples.
The NA Chairwoman said the ceremony offers an opportunity for both sides to look back on the tradition of Vietnamese soldiers in Laos, as well as show gratitude for those who sacrificed their youth for independence and freedom in each nation.
She said they were key contributors to the close ties between the two Parties, States and peoples.
She informed the Lao leader of the Vietnamese National Assembly’s recent activities, and noted that both parliaments are working to accelerate co-operation deals reached during her visit to Laos in September.
Regarding the construction of the Lao National Assembly House, Ngân said the Vietnamese side has pledged efforts to ensure the progress and quality of the work.
For his part, Vorachith expressed delight at the impressive achievements by the Vietnamese Party, State and people, and stressed the great friendship between the two nations has stood the test of time. 
He said Laos will continue educating its younger generations about Việt Nam – Laos relations, and make efforts to nurture the ties. — VNS