The Lao Party and State highly appreciate Phuc’s August 9-10 visit because this is his first overseas trip in his capacity as State President of Vietnam, ambassador Houngboungnuang told VOV in an exclusive interview on August 6.
The visit is expected to further strengthen the great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between the Parties, States and peoples of the two countries, he said.
According to the Lao diplomat, Phuc’s visit testifies to the fact that despite complicated and unpredictable situation in the region and the world, especially the resurgence of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, senior leaders of the two countries maintain regular contact and exchange, demonstrating their special solidarity and joint efforts to overcome all difficulties and develop together for the sake of people’s well-being in both countries.
He revealed that during the trip, the newly elected Vietnamese President is scheduled to hold talks with the General Secretary and President of Laos and meet with other senior leaders of the Lao Government and National Assembly to exchange views and measures aimed at promoting bilateral cooperation.
Phuc will attend a handover ceremony of the new Lao National Assembly Building, a special gift from the Party, State and people of Vietnam to the Party, State and people of Laos. He will also deliver a speech at the first extraordinary session of the Laos National Assembly.
The two sides will sign a number of cooperation documents between their relevant ministries, branches, localities and businesses.
The results of Phuc’s visit are expected to take the comprehensive cooperation, especially in economics, trade and investment, to new heights on a par with the two countries’ political ties, noted the diplomat.
Vietnam and Laos established diplomatic ties in 1962. Both countries’ senior leaders have maintained reciprocal visit exchanges to further enhance bilateral comprehensive cooperation. Most recently, Lao Party General Secretary and State President Thongloun Sisoulith visited Vietnam in June 2021.
Despite the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, two-way trade between the two countries rose 36.5% in the first half of 2021 compared to the same period last year, hitting US$671 million. Vietnam has 208 valid projects valued at US$5.16 billion in Laos, ranking among the top three foreign investors in the neighbouring country.