From February 9-12, 2012, State President Truong Tan Sang paid an official visit to Laos with the aim of strengthening the traditional friendship, solidarity and comprehensive co-operation between the two countries’ parties, states and peoples.
During his stay in Laos, President Sang talked with Lao Party General Secretary and President Choummaly Sayasone. The leaders attended a press conference to launch the Year of Vietnam-Laos Solidarity and Friendship 2012. President Sang also met with Prime Minister Thongsing Thammavong and National Assembly Chairwoman Pany Yathotu and visited former Chairman of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party, former State President of Laos Khamtai Siphandon and other leaders of the country.
Party General Secretary, Sate President of Laos Chummaly Sayasone receives State President Truong Tan Sang.
During the talk between the two delegations.
Two leaders witness the signing ceremony of some co-operative documents between the two nations.
Prime Minister Thongsing Thammavong receives President Truong Tan Sang.
National Assembly Chairwoman Pany Yathotu meets with President Truong Tan Sang.
President Sang visits former Chairman of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party, former State President of Laos Khamtai Siphandon. |
During their talks, the two sides highly appreciated and were satisfied with the traditional relationship, special solidarity and comprehensive co-operation between the two parties, states and peoples which have been constantly reinforced over the years. They discussed measures on further developing the fruitful relationship in politics, foreign affairs, defense-security, trade, investment, education and other aspects. They agreed to continuously maintain the exchange of high-ranking delegations at all levels to strengthen the close and faithful relations; effectively popularize the history of the friendship and special solidarity between two countries and co-ordinate to successfully organize activities to celebrate the Year of Vietnam-Laos Solidarity and Friendship. They also agreed to speed up and deepen economic co-operation, bringing about practical effectiveness to the development of the two countries. They are determined to increase the two-way trade turnover to 2 billion USD in 2015. Vietnam would increase its investment in Laos, actively contributing to the development and socio-security of Laos.
The two sides also exchanged opinions on some international and regional issues concerning both countries. They confirmed to continuously intensify co-operation and mutual support in foreign affairs and at international and regional forums. Vietnam would actively assist Laos to successfully organize the 7th Asia-Europe Parliamentary Partnership Meeting (ASEP 7) and the 9th Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM 9) in 2012.
President Sang attends the inauguration of Rubber Latex Factory 27/2.
President Sang attends the seminar on investment promotion in the central and southern provinces of Laos.
President Sang attends the inauguration of the Paksong radio and television station.
Lao people welcome President Sang, his wife and the Vietnamese high-ranking delegation. |
On this occasion, State President Sang and his delegation visited the Unknown Soldiers’ Monument; met with cadres and staffs of the Embassy of Vietnam in Laos and overseas Vietnamese; visited Chammasak Province and Rubber Latex Factory 27/2 under the Vietnam-Laos Rubber Joint-Stock Company; and attended the inauguration of the Paksong radio and television station. He also visited the rubber farm and attended the ground-breaking ceremony of Attapeu International Airport invested by Hoang Anh Gia Lai Group; attended a seminar on investment promotion in the central and southern provinces of Laos held by the Vietnamese Ministry of Investment and Planning and the Association of Vietnamese Investors in Laos.
The official visit to Laos by President Sang deeply expresses the special friendship, solidarity and comradeship between two nations. The two sides reached a consensus on the importance and determination to reinforce and foster the traditional friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive co-operation. This is considered an invaluable asset that needs to be preserved, promoted and handed down to future generations.
By Hoang Chuong – KPL