Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc (right) holds talks with Laos’ Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Planning and Investment Sonsay Siphandone in Hà Nội on Tuesday. — VNA/VNS Photo Thống Nhất

HÀ NỘI — Việt Nam is willing to send experts to support Laos, especially in macro-economic policy, Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc said at a reception for Laos’ Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Planning and Investment Sonsay Siphandone in Hà Nội on Tuesday.

He added that the Vietnamese Government had submitted a proposal to the National Assembly to increase aid for Laos next year.

The Government would provide better assistance and improve training for Lao students, he said.

The PM noted that co-operation between Việt Nam and Laos in 2019 had been stepped up, noting growing bilateral trade.

Việt Nam always prioritised official development assistance (ODA) for Laos, he said, adding that Vietnamese ministries and localities, especially those sharing a border with Laos, had enhanced co-operation.

The most remarkable achievement of bilateral relations at present was the Lao National Assembly building project.

Regarding power, Việt Nam would buy more electricity from Laos, the PM said.

He described 2020 as an important year for the two countries’ external and domestic affairs.

He suggested the Vietnamese and Lao ministries of planning and investment should focus on preparing for the annual meeting between the two Politburos and co-chairing the 42nd session of the inter-governmental meeting in early 2020.

PM Phúc sent his best regards to Lao Party General Secretary and President Bounnhang Vorachit, Lao Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith, and other leaders of the Lao Party, National Assembly and Government.

On behalf of the Lao Party, Government, and people, Sonsay Siphandone thanked the Party, Government and people of Việt Nam for supporting Laos, even in the face of difficulties and global fluctuations.

He pledged to urge Laos’ ministries and departments to complete all necessary documents to speed up the implementation of co-operation projects.

He thanked PM Phúc for sending experts to provide macro-economic policy consultancy for Laos, adding that Laos would consider and apply these consultations.

The official also extended the best regards of the Lao Party General Secretary and President, and the Lao Prime Minister, to PM Phúc.

He congratulated Việt Nam on taking on the role as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, saying it demonstrated Việt Nam’s increasing reputation and role in the international arena. — VNS