Top Lao leader Thongloun Sisoulith begins Vietnam visit
VOV.VN - General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party and President of Laos Thongloun Sisoulith and his spouse arrived in Hanoi on September 10, beginning a three-day state visit to Vietnam at the invitation of General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee and President of Vietnam To Lam.
The visit takes place at a time when the two parties and two countries are actively implementing the resolutions set forth by each party’s congress, are preparing for the 14th Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam and the 12th Congress of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party.
The relationship between Vietnam and Laos has been increasingly strengthened and developed practically and effectively in all fields, contributing significantly to maintaining political stability, socio-economic development, ensuring national defense and security in each country, and enhancing the position of both parties and countries.
The close and trusted political relationship serves as the core, providing overall direction for bilateral relations. Defense and security cooperation is considered a crucial pillar, while diplomatic relations continue to be strengthened in Vietnam-Laos relations.
Economic, scientific, technical, educational, and cultural cooperation between the two countries has reaped encouraging results. Statistics show two-way trade turnover between Vietnam and Laos reached US$1.6 billion in 2023, and US$1.3 billion in the first eight months of 2024 alone.
Both sides have effectively implemented agreements between the senior leaders of the two parties and states, as well as agreements and cooperation plans between the two governments. They are also increasingly cooperating closely at multilateral forums and organizations.
Sisoulith’s visit provides an opportunity for the leaders of the two countries to update each other on the situation in their respective parties and countries. They will discuss regional and international issues of mutual concern, evaluate the results of bilateral cooperation in the past, and set directions for future cooperation.
During his stay, the Lao leader is expected to have talks and meetings with senior Vietnamese leaders. He will also meet with former Vietnamese volunteer soldiers and experts in Laos, as well as Lao students studying in Vietnam. He is scheduled to visit several localities in Vietnam.