Vietnamese and Lao leaders yesterday reaffirmed their commitment to fostering the special solidarity and traditional friendship between the two countries.
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President Truong Tan Sang (left) is welcomed by Lao Party General Secretary and
State President Choummaly Sayasone yesterday in Vientiane.
— VNA/VNS Photo Nguyen Khang |
In talks held in the Lao capital of Vientiane, Vietnamese President Truong Tan Sang and Lao Party General Secretary and State President Choummaly Sayasone said this was crucial to the victory of their revolutionary causes.
They agreed to facilitate exchange visits at all levels and effectively implement agreements reached at the 37th meeting of the Viet Nam-Laos Inter-governmental Committee.
Both sides committed to issue timely policies to boost bilateral trade and investment relations.
Agreement was also reached on completing a project to increase and upgrade border markers before the end of this year.
The two leaders welcomed the 24.5 per cent year-on-year increase in trade value to nearly US$1.4 billion in 2014. Viet Nam is currently the largest investor in Laos with 413 registered projects worth over $5 billion.
They also discussed several regional and global issues of shared concern, including the maintenance of peace and stability in the East Sea and sustainable use of water resources of the Mekong River.
They expressed their pleasure at the constructive support given to each other at United Nations, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly, the Asia-Europe Meeting, and other international and regional forums.
They pledged to co-ordinate efforts with other ASEAN nations to realise a common community for the bloc by late 2015.
Sang said Viet Nam will offer full support to Laos in its role as ASEAN Chair in 2016.
He also expressed confidence that the Lao people will achieve goals set by the 9th National Congress of the LPRP.
The Lao President said Sang's visit will help lift bilateral ties to a new level.
The Vietnamese President's visit coincided with celebrations for the 60th founding anniversary of the LPRP and preparations for the 40th National Day of Laos (December 2)./.