Young parliamentarians of Vietnam, Laos reinforce cooperation
Young National Assembly (NA) deputies of Vietnam and Laos held talks in Vientiane on December 23 as part of the two countries’ Solidarity and Friendship Year 2022.
Keochaleun Xiayingyang (centre), Vice Chairman of the Lao NA’s Committee for Ethnic Affairs, speaks at the talks with the Vietnamese delegation in Vientiane on December 23. (Photo: VNA)
Vientiane (VNA) – Young National Assembly (NA) deputies of Vietnam and Laos held talks in Vientiane on December 23 as part of the two countries’ Solidarity and Friendship Year 2022.
Leading the Vietnamese delegation, Dinh Cong Sy, Vice Chairman of the NA’s Committee for Culture and Education and standing deputy head of the 15th-tenure group of young NA deputies, said young people and parliamentarians of Vietnam are deeply aware of the two countries’ great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation, which are priceless common assets.
Young NA deputies from Vietnam and Laos are important forces who will serve as pillars of their countries in the future, so frequent exchanges will help them enhance mutual understanding to contribute to bilateral relations at present and in the future, he added.
He also gave his hosts a brief presentation of activities by the group of young Vietnamese NA deputies at international forums and conferences of young parliamentarians.
Keochaleun Xiayingyang, Vice Chairman of the Lao NA’s Committee for Ethnic Affairs, highly valued the strengthened cooperation between the two countries’ legislatures as seen in all-level mutual visits, the organisation of special workshops, the exchange of congratulations on the occasion of major anniversaries, and mutual support and coordination at regional and international inter-parliamentary forums.
To continue promoting bilateral ties, the two sides agreed to propose parliamentary leaders of their countries increase mutual working visits and exchanges between young deputies of the two NAs and provincial-level People’s Councils.
They will work together to hold meetings and workshops to share experience in parliamentary activities, especially those related to young people, such as employment, entrepreneurship, and crime prevention.
Young legislators from Vietnam and Laos will also maintain close coordination and mutual support at regional and international inter-parliamentary forums like the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA), the Asia-Pacific Parliamentary Forum (APPF), and the Parliamentary Assembly of the Francophonie (APF)./.
Nguyen Trong Nghia, head of the Party Central Committee’s Commission for Information and Education, held talks in Hanoi on December 12 with Khamphanh Pheuyavong, head of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party (LPRP) Central Committee’s Commission for Propaganda and Training.
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh had a meeting with his Lao counterpart Phankham Viphavanh in Brussels on December 13, as part of his trip to Belgium to attend the ASEAN-EU Commemorative Summit.
Vice Chairman of the General Department of Politics at the Vietnam People’s Army (VPA) Lt. Gen. Trinh Van Quyet received a delegation of the School of Political Theory of the Lao People's Army (LPA) led by its political commissar Major Gen. Khamhay Saphangneua in Hanoi on December 15.
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The Party and State of Vietnam always attach great importance to and give top priority to the development of Vietnam–China relations. Vietnam is ready to work with the Chinese Party and State to further deepen the Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership and promote the building of the Vietnam-China community with a shared future that carries strategic significance.
Under the leadership of President Ho Chi Minh and the CPV, President Cuong said, the press has been a steadfast force on the ideological and cultural front, rallying the masses to pursue national aspirations.
NA Chairman Tran Thanh Man stressed the need to accelerate the application of artificial intelligence and smart teaching equipment, innovate teaching and assessment methods, and further improve the quality of formal education.
He also pledged that the NA will promote its ongoing supervision, making sure that every promise must lead to results, and every commitment must bring about real changes.
Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien welcomed the proposals put forward by the US side and reiterated Vietnam’s request for consideration of key areas of interest, including reciprocal tariff policies and access for Vietnamese key export products to the US market.
Deputy PM Le Thanh Long proposed countries promote shared values, including building trust, sincerity, and solidarity among nations and peoples; fostering cooperation spirit and responsible behaviour as well as upholding international law and the UN Charter; and placing people at the centre and as the goal, the key player, and the driving force of all policies.
The show, together with a grand parade to be held silmutaneously at Ba Dinh Square in Hanoi, will celebrate the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution, the National Day, and the General Staff of the Vietnam People’s Army (VPA).
In particular, in April 2023, the two sides successfully carried out a joint operation that dismantled a major organised, transnational drug trafficking ring involving both Vietnamese and Cambodian suspects.
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The launch of Thanh Nien (Young People) newspaper in 1925, even before the founding of the Communist Party of Vietnam, is considered a testament to President Ho Chi Minh’s strategic foresight and strong belief in the guiding power of the revolutionary media.
New Zealand is currently one of Vietnam’s most important partners in the region, marked by a high level of political trust, strong and reliable defence and security cooperation, and increasingly open economic, trade, and investment ties.
Party General Secretary To Lam stressed that the Central Public Security Party Committee must be fully aware of the extremely important role of the People's Public Security force in the country's new revolutionary phase, so as to guide each branch and level of the force as the nation undergoes transformation.
Addressing concerns over university education spending, Son explained that as public universities gain greater autonomy, the Ministry of Finance has scaled back recurrent state funding. “Over the past decade, as autonomy has increased, the State's support has steadily declined”, he noted
Lao Minister of Foreign Affairs Thongsavanh Phomvihane affirmed that the presence of Vietnamese press offices in Laos vividly demonstrates the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between the two nations, as the press is not only a means of communication but also an important bridge for spreading consciousness about the history, values, and strategic depth of the Laos – Vietnam relationship to the people of both countries and the international community.
The country is willing to participate in collective efforts to promote cooperation and mobilise resources to advance the current priority issues of developing countries, such as trade, investment, infrastructure connectivity, making the most of scientific and technological advances for development, and people-to-people exchanges, Hang said.
During the negotiations, the US highly evaluated Vietnam’s goodwill and efforts, affirmed its appreciation for the bilateral relationship, acknowledged Vietnam’s proposals and concerns, and considered these an important basis for continuing discussions and moving towards a final agreement.
The Chairman stressed the need for stricter fiscal discipline, faster digital transformation, and more efficient management of State budget revenues and expenditures.
Keochaleun Xiayingyang (centre), Vice Chairman of the Lao NA’s Committee for Ethnic Affairs, speaks at the talks with the Vietnamese delegation in Vientiane on December 23. (Photo: VNA) 
