A memorandum of understanding on cooperation between Khánh Hòa and Vientiane was signed following official talks on Thursday. —VNA/VNS Photo

VIENTIANE — Permanent Vice Secretary of the Party Committee and Chairman of the People’s Council of the south-central province of Khánh Hòa Nguyễn Khắc Toàn held talks with Vice Secretary of the Party Committee of Vientiane Songlao YhongNou in the Lao capital city on Thursday.

Their discussions focused on promoting collaboration in various sectors, with tourism, trade and people-to-people exchange at the centre.

The two sides agreed to maintain the regular exchange of delegations at various levels to foster closer ties, encourage joint tourism development initiatives between travel companies and tour operators, explore the possibility of establishing a direct air route connecting Vientiane and Khánh Hòa, and utilise media platforms and social networks to promote tourist destinations in Nha Trang - Khánh Hòa and Vientiane.

Cultural exchange also emerged as a key area of focus. The two localities vowed to join cultural events held in each side, increase cultural and social exchanges and raise public awareness about the special Việt Nam-Laos solidarity, particularly among younger generations.

They will also share experience and transfer techniques in agriculture and aquaculture.

Accordingly, Khánh Hòa will assist Vientiane in developing its indoor swiftlet farming industry while Nha Trang University will offer training courses, workshops and technology transfer opportunities in aquaculture for Vientiane officials.

In the realm of human resources training, Khánh Hòa will provide 10 university-level training positions in five years in Khánh Hòa universities, including a one-year Vietnamese language programme and four years of specialised studies.

Vientiane, in return, will offer two Lao language training positions annually for officials from Khánh Hòa.

The talks concluded with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cooperation between Khánh Hòa and Vientiane by Vice Chairman of the Khánh Hòa provincial People's Committee Đinh Văn Thiệu and Deputy Mayor of Vientiane Sililat Thongsin Thongphenh. — VNS