Vietnam’s President, Vo Van Thuong, traveled to Laos on Monday for his first official foreign visit, where he presented the President and Party Secretary of Laos, Thongloun Sisoulith a gift worth USD 1 million.
Vietnam’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs made an announcement about the gift from the Vietnamese President to Laos, during a meeting co-chaired by the leaders of both countries. They emphasized on the importance of cooperation and exchanging experiences in the face of regional and global challenges.
Vientiane Times reports Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith observed that choosing Laos for the new Vietnamese President’s first overseas trip reflects the fact that the government of Vietnam places great importance on the great friendly relations, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between the two countries.
After the meeting, the Lao Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a press release, “The leaders of both sides unanimously evaluate that the great friendly relations, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between Laos and Vietnam are blossoming to new heights.”
As part of this cooperation, the two countries have agreed to construct a Lao-Vietnam Friendship Park in Vientiane Capital to promote historical sites in both countries. Special attention will also be paid to enhancing border cooperation to prevent the transportation of illegal goods and substances.
In addition, agreements were signed to boost cooperation in the fields of technology, innovation, and science. On this trip, President Thuong also met with Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone and Lao National Assembly Chairman Saysomphone Phomvihane at the National Assembly House, which is a gift from Vietnam.
Currently, Vietnam has invested USD 4.7 billion across 219 projects in Laos and bilateral trade between the two countries increased by 25 percent to around USD 1.7 billion last year.
During his visit, President Von Vang Thuong also officially invited President Thongloun to visit Vietnam at a convenient time, which was accepted by the Lao leader.
