Laos, Vietnam strengthen ties

The further expansion of comprehensive cooperation between Laos and Vietnam was the goal of an agreement signed by the countries’ friendship associations in Vientiane on Thursday.

A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed between Laos-Vietnam Friendship Association President Dr Somkot Mangnomek and Vietnam-Laos Friendship Association President Vu Trong Kim.

The new agreement comes after Mr Vu Trong Kim led a delegation on a visit to Laos from December 9-15 to promote ties between the two countries.

The Vietnamese delegation had a working session with a delegation of the Laos-Vietnam Friendship Association, headed by Dr Somkot, where they reviewed friendship activities over the past two years.

During the visit, the Vietnamese delegation was received by the President of the Lao Front for National Construction, Mr Sisavat Keobounphanh, and the Chairman of the National Assembly, Mr Thongsing Thammavong.

During the period under review, the two associations have organised major events including visits by Vietnamese former voluntary soldiers and experts to Laos and visits by Lao officials to Vietnam to mark the 100th birthday of the late Lao President Souphanouvong.

Both associations pledged to continue to boost cooperation between the two countries in the fields of education, trade, economics, politics, culture, sports, science and technology.

Both sides agreed to hold more activities in 2010, including the celebration of the 35th anniversary of victory over the US , the 65th National Day of Vietnam and 35th National Day of Laos, the 120th birthday of the late President Ho Chi Minh, and the 89th birthday of the late President Kaysone Phomvihane.

Other events would include the millennial anniversary of Thang Long-Hanoi, the 450th anniversary of Vientiane as the Lao capital, the 80th anniversary of the Communist Party of Vietnam, and the 55th anniversary of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party.

Dr Somkot said the MoU aimed to further develop academic and scientific interchanges between ministries through mutual assistance in the areas of education, training and research.

The MoU would be negotiated separately to ensure proper implementation and management, and each ministry would appoint a liaison officer, according to the associations.

The areas of cooperation would be subject to mutual consent and can include any programme offered at either ministry.

Dr Somkot said Laos and Vietnam shared a long history of friendship and assistance, with cooperation not only in education, but also through cultural exchanges and assistance in business, investment and tourism.

He said cooperation would also take place through the exchange of academic material, publications and information, and special short-term academic programmes.

“The parties understand that this MoU is a manifestation of their willingness and desire to undertake joint activities in numerous areas of cooperation,” Dr Somkot said.

Source: Vientiane Times
By Phaisythong Chandara
December 14, 2009