Vientiane (VNA) – The recent state visit to Laos by Luong Cuong, the first of its kind in his capacity as State President of Vietnam, demonstrated that Vietnam always values and prioritises its relationship with the neighbouring country, affirmed Lao Deputy Foreign Minister Phongsamuth Anlavan.

She told the Vietnamese press on April 26 that the trip, from April 24-25, has helped tighten the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between the two countries.

The Lao official noted that the two countries obtained significant outcomes during President Cuong's visit. At bilateral meetings with Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith and other high-ranking Lao leaders, the two sides exchanged views frankly and sincerely, emphasising the significance of implementing the signed agreements to enhance the effectiveness of the bilateral collaboration. They concurred to continue strengthening political collaboration to maintain high-level political trust, while considering defence and security cooperation as a pillar of the special relationship.

Besides, they reached consensus to enhance economic cooperation to bring tangible benefits to their people, particularly by realising the integration of their economies through strategic cooperation projects such as the Vientiane-Hanoi expressway, railway projects, and many others.

Notably, President Cuong announced that Vietnam will provide 3 million USD in aid for Laos to build a hospital in Vientiane province, helping improve healthcare quality for local residents.

The Lao Deputy Foreign Minister expressed gratitude for the assistance that the Vietnamese Party, State, and people have given to the Lao people over the recent past. She said she appreciates the special relationship and will continue working with the Vietnamese side to preserve and develop the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation in a more effective fashion in the coming time.

She underscored that the friendship exchange held within President Cuong’s visit helped promote understanding among younger generations about the nature of the special Laos-Vietnam ties. She described how the two neighboring countries, backed by the majestic Truong Son mountain range and sharing the waters of the Mekong River, stood shoulder to shoulder like brothers in a family to fight against common enemies in the past and continue to support each other in national defence and development today.

The relations, founded by the President Ho Chi Minh, and President Kaysone Phomvihane and President Souphanouvong, have been preserved, nurtured, and developed by generations of revolutionary leaders and the people of both countries. It has become an invaluable asset and a decisive factor in the existence and development of both nations.

According to the official, President Cuong's visit affirmed to the world that regardless of complex global developments, the great friendship, special solidarity, and unique comprehensive cooperation between the two countries will never change and will be tightened so that no opposing forces can undermine.

She vowed to do her utmost to contribute to bringing into full play the perceptions reached by the high-level leadership of both countries so as to nurture the special♔ Vietnam – Laos relations./.