Cooperation between Hanoi and Vientiane in recent years has further strengthened the longstanding and traditional friendship between Vietnam and Laos.

Hanoi People's Committee Chairman Tran Sy Thanh (left) and Vientiane Party Committee Secretary Anouphap Tounalom at the September 17 meeting. Photo: Trinh Dung/The Hanoi Times

This was a key message from the meeting between Tran Sy Thanh, Chairman of the Hanoi People's Committee, and Vientiane Party Committee Secretary Anouphap Tounalom on September 17.

The two leaders affirmed that Hanoi and Vientiane, as the capitals of their respective countries, continue to be exemplary in leading cooperation initiatives at the local level.

The two cities have maintained close coordination, exchanged information and experiences, and supported each other in all fields, they said.

The aim is to ensure that achievements in cooperation between the two cities reflect the special status of the Vietnam-Laos relationship, as well as the expectations of the leaders and people of both nations, the two officials said.

The leaders agreed that Hanoi and Vientiane have built a comprehensive cooperative relationship, with the spirit of friendship between the two capitals deeply rooted in the local communities.

Mayor Thanh and Secretary Anouphap also reviewed the progress made under the cooperation agreement between the parties and the authorities of the two capitals for the period 2022-2025.

As a result, both sides have seen positive growth in import-export activities, cultural and social progress, and strong attraction of foreign direct investment (FDI).

In addition, new forms of professional cooperation have been introduced, including roundtable discussions on the operation of local councils and exchanges on Party disciplinary control.

The two cities have organized forums to promote investment, trade, and tourism, with delegations attending fairs and festivals hosted by local authorities.

Sy Thanh emphasized that the friendly cooperative relationship between the two capitals has continuously been nurtured and strengthened.

He noted that nine specialized agencies from both capitals have signed cooperation agreements, fostering the exchange of knowledge and mutual support in professional activities.

Many joint programs and projects have been carried out in the fields of economic development, education and training, culture and development assistance to advance both capitals and ensure regional stability, he said.

Mayor Thanh also wished Vientiane a successful hosting of the ASEAN Capitals Mayors' Meeting and the ASEAN Mayors' Forum 2024, which will contribute to the overall success of Laos during its ASEAN chairmanship year.

Anouphap, Secretary of the Vientiane Party Committee, welcomed the Hanoi delegation to attend the ASEAN Capitals Mayors' Meeting.

He highly appreciated the efforts of the two sides' authorities to implement the Hanoi-Vientiane Cooperation Agreement for the period 2022-2025.

Secretary Anouphap reaffirmed that these results have strengthened the relations between Hanoi and Vientiane and between the two nations.

According to Mayor Tran Sy Thanh and Secretary Anouphap Tounalom, both capitals will continue to effectively implement the 2022-2025 agreement, focusing on high-quality human resources.

They also wanted to create a more open and proactive cooperation framework for government agencies, businesses, and citizens on both sides to ensure that their local-to-local cooperation is commensurate with the scope and importance of the Vietnam-Laos relationship.