Ha Noi-Vientiane ties set example in int'l relations

At the meeting, both leaders hailed the results of the cooperation between the two cities in recent times. They affirmed that the current high-level delegation visit from Ha Noi to Vientiane is a continuation of the vibrant cooperation between the two cities since April 2022.

In line with the comprehensive nature of cooperation between Ha Noi and Vientiane, they shared the view that the two capitals continuously uphold the fraternal and comradely traditions between their parties, governments, and people.

The two cities have made incessant efforts to develop bilateral cooperation across all channels and sectors with numerous practical projects. The cooperation agreement signed between the two parties for the 2022-2025 period has paved the way for various joint activities, fostering multi-sectoral partnerships between the two localities.

Over the past two years (2022-2023), both capitals have organized high-level delegations for mutual visits and work. Several specialized agreements have been signed between relevant agencies in areas such as economics, investment, agriculture, healthcare, education, and people-to-people exchanges. These efforts lay the groundwork for the dynamic exchange of specialized delegations.

The leaders underlined the depth of cooperation between Ha Noi and Vientiane, emphasizing the profound bonds existing at the grassroots level among the people. They also acknowledged the successful implementation of various forms of new technical cooperation, including forums on party building and political system development, investment and trade cooperation, and joint participation in fairs, festivals, and tourism events.

In particular, the construction of the headquarters of the Justice Department and the Public Prosecutor's Office in Vientiane, funded by Ha Noi, was completed in just over a year. This project serves as a symbolic achievement of the friendly relations between the two cities during the 2022-2025 period.

"The results of the cooperation between Ha Noi and Vientiane continue to be a vivid testimony to the special solidarity between Viet Nam and Laos, particularly in the local cooperation aspect," said Ha Noi Party Chief Dinh Tien Dung.

In a spirit of mutual trust and camaraderie, the leaders of both capitals shared the outcomes of their socio-economic development goals over the years and exchanged valuable experiences in building and advancing their respective political systems.

In the direction of future cooperation, Dung announced that Ha Noi and Vientiane will jointly organize a bilateral Tourism Promotion Program in response to Laos' National Tourism Year 2024.

Additionally, Ha Noi is willing to support Vientiane in developing high-quality human resources by offering scholarships for undergraduate and postgraduate studies, as well as providing training for senior officials and facilitating Lao artisans to study and intern in Ha Noi's craft villages, he noted.

Emphasizing the significance of the traditional relationship between Viet Nam and Laos forged during the struggle for independence, the leaders of both capitals pledge to continue building their ties based on the foundation of the two parties and the two states' solidarity. They pledged to further strengthen cooperation, overcome challenges, and steadfastly pursue the goals of national independence and socialism. The enduring and special friendship and all-round cooperation between Viet Nam and Laos are expected to serve as a model for local-level cooperation between Ha Noi and Vientiane.

At the meeting, Dung extended his invitation to Vientiane's Party Secretary Anouphap Tounalom and his delegation to visit Ha Noi at an appropriate time, which the host delightfully accepted./.