Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc hosted a reception on August 14 for his Lao counterpart Thongloun Sisoulith, who is on a visit to Vietnam for a national mourning of former Party General Secretary Le Kha Phieu.

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc (R) gives a reception
for his Lao counterpart Thongloun Sisoulith

Sisoutlith extended his condolences to the Vietnamese Party, State, National Assembly, and Fatherland Front on the passing away of the former leader.

He hailed the former Vietnamese Party leader’s contributions to Vietnam’s struggle for national independence, construction, defence and development, to Laos’ revolutionary cause, and to the two countries’ special friendship, solidarity, and comprehensive partnership.

The Lao leader said the former Party chief’s death is a great loss for the Vietnamese Party, State, and people, while the Party, State, and people of Laos have lost a comrade and a very close friend.

On behalf of the Vietnamese Government and people, Phuc thanked Lao leaders and people for their sentiment towards the late leader, which signifies the special brotherhood between the two nations.

The two leaders compared notes on the socio-economic situation in both countries and to review the implementation of agreements reached and the outcomes of the 42nd meeting of the Vietnam-Laos Inter-governmental Committee. They also looked into major joint projects, including the construction of Laos’ new parliamentary building and friendship hospitals.

They examined ways to further enhance bilateral ties in the time ahead and future strategies for the next five years and towards 2030.

Sisoulith expressed his gratitude for Vietnam’s support for the fight against COVID-19 in Laos.

Both government leader consented to continue their closer coordination in combating the pandemic, particularly along border areas, and to work out plans to resume flights between the two nations and reopen border gates when the coronavirus pandemic is brought under control.

They concurred to intensify information and experience exchanges for the successful organization of their national Party Congresses in 2021 and will augment cooperation in politics, defence, security, economics, trade, investment, education, culture, and people-to-people exchanges.