National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan has affirmed Vietnam’s full support for Laos’ reform process during a meeting with Lao Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith in Vientiane, Laos on September 26.

National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan (L)
and Lao Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith

The top legislator offered sympathy to Laos over the human and asset losses caused by flooding in the six central and southern Lao provinces recently, and expressed her hope that people in the flood-hit provinces will overcome difficulties and restore production and normal life soon.

Ngan said during her visit at the invitation of Lao National Assembly Chairwoman Pany Yathotou, the two top legislators will co-chair a seminar on laws and policies on vocational training and job creation, and coordination in handling citizens’ complaints and denunciations. She expressed her hope that experiences shared at the seminar will be helpful to the two legislatures and governments.

On behalf of the Vietnamese Party and State leaders, NA Chairwoman Ngan will also present titles to units and individuals of the Lao NA in recognition of their contributions to ties between the two legislatures. She and her entourage will also visit and inspect the construction progress of the Lao NA House, a gift from Vietnam to Laos.

PM Sisoulith, for his part, said the visit of the Vietnamese NA leader will help promote ties between the two parliaments.

He affirmed that the Lao government will strive to deal with difficulties and step up the construction of the Lao NA House.

The two leaders expressed determination to implement joint statements and cooperation agreements signed by the two nations.

They noted that Vietnam remains the third largest investor in Laos with 409 projects worth 4.1 billion USD, but the flow of Vietnamese capital in Laos has shown signs of slowing down. In addition, the implementation pace of key projects and cooperation programmes remains slow.

The host said during his upcoming Vietnam visit, he will discuss ways to remove obstacles in order to accelerate signed agreements and enhance bilateral investment. He wished that leaders of the two NAs will continue supporting Laos and Vietnamese governments in carrying out signed major projects.

The Vietnamese legislative leader suggested that both sides should co-organise a conference reviewing the one-stop shop model at Lao Bao – Den Savan border gate and celebrations for the 70th anniversary of traditional day of Vietnamese voluntary soldiers and experts helping Laos (October 30).

On the occasion, Sisoulith vowed to continue working closely with Vietnam when the country assumes the Chair of ASEAN and Chair of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly in 2020.