Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc has congratulated outgoing Lao Ambassador to Vietnam Thongsavanh Phomvihane on fulfilling his assigned tasks and receiving a first-class Labour Order of the Vietnamese Party and State in recognition of his contributions to fostering bilateral ties.

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc (R) welcomes Lao Ambassador
to Vietnam Thongsavanh Phomvihane. 

At a reception in Hanoi on October 9, the Government leader praised the Lao diplomat for his efforts to prepare for visits by both countries’ senior leaders, including the Vietnamese PM’s visits and attendance at international conferences over the past three years and the recent Vietnam visit by Lao PM Thongloun Sisoulith.

He said the ambassador served as a bridge reinforcing the special solidarity and comprehensive partnership between the two countries while showing his sympathy with the Lao government and people over huge losses in humans and property in central and southern provinces of Laos.

Vietnam will go ahead with all possible support for 16,000 Lao students in the country, including the granting of 1,200 scholarships and assisting Laos in personnel training, PM Phuc said.

Regarding regional and global issues, including the complicated developments in the East Sea, PM Phuc said he hopes that Laos would continue to coordinate and affirm its stance on maintaining peace and stability, respecting for law, ensuring security and freedom of navigation and aviation, settling disputes in the East Sea through peaceful measures in accordance with international law, especially the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

He asked Laos to continue supporting and cooperating with Vietnam when the country undertakes the role of ASEAN Chair 2020 and a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for the 2020-2021 tenure.

The PM expressed his confidence that the ambassador will make greater contributions to strengthening Vietnam-Laos special relations no matter what position he holds.

In reply, Thongsavanh said he has done his utmost to meet the expectations of the two countries’ leaders and people and thanked the Vietnamese Party, State and people for supporting Lao counterparts in the past and at present, particularly in overcoming natural disasters over the past years.