Vientiane (VNA) – The official friendly visit to Laos from February 24-25 by VietnameseParty General Secretary and President Nguyen Phu Trong is expected tocontribute to tightening, enhancing and developing the traditional friendship,special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between the two countries, aLao official has said.

In a recent interview granted to the Vietnam News Agency (VNA), Lao Minister ofPlanning and Investment Souphan Keomixay, who is also Chairman of theLaos-Vietnam Cooperation Committee, affirmed that the upcoming visit is ofspecial significance to the Lao side.

It will create a foundation for the two countries to effectively optimise theirpotential for investment cooperation in the new situation, the official said,noting that during the visit, the two sides will sign many documents crucial tothe bilateral relationship.

He emphasised the need for both Vietnam and Laos to further deepen thetraditional and pure relations, create breakthroughs and bring about thehighest interests to their people.

Souphan Keomixay commended the cooperation in politics, diplomacy, nationaldefence and security between the two countries in the past year which has facilitatedthe national construction and development of each side.

He also highlighted the bilateral collaboration in energy, education and humanresources development as well as partnership between Vietnamese and Laoministries, agencies and localities.

In the coming years, the two sides should continue to implement agreementsreached by high-ranking leaders of the two Parties and States, especially the oneon cooperation strategy in economy, culture, education, and science-technologybetween Vietnam and Laos in the 2011-2020 period, as well as the one onVietnam-Laos cooperation strategy by 2020 in Huaphan and Xiengkhoang provinces,he said.

The official also called for joint efforts in realising the bilateralcollaboration agreement for the 2016-2020 period and another on cooperationplan between the two governments in 2019.

Breakthroughs are needed to promote the special ties, he said, suggesting thatVung Ang Seaports 1,2 and 3 should be further developed to help Laos handle itsexports and imports.

Vietnam’s purchase of Lao electricity will help generate jobs and income for thetwo peoples in future, he said.

Souphan Keomixay urged businesses of the two countries to harmonise theirbenefits with interests of Vietnamese and Lao peoples, especially those livingin project areas, and respect custom and culture in the host countries.

He lauded Vietnamese firms in Laos for their observance of local laws andpolicies, contributions to social affairs, especially in education, agricultureand health care, as well as their support to Lao victims of naturaldisasters.-VNA