FOREIGN RELATION NEWS
The visit comes just two months after General Secretary and State President To Lam’s state visit to Laos in July, his first visit as the head of the Vietnamese state.
Lao General Secretary and President Thongloun Sisoulith, along with his spouse and a high-level delegation from the Lao Party and State, arrived at Noi Bai Airport (Hanoi) today [September 10], marking the start of their state visit to Vietnam from September 10 to 13.
Lao General Secretary and President Thongloun Sisoulith and his spouse at Noi Bai Airport. Source: VNA
The visit is taking place at the invitation of General Secretary and State President To Lam and his spouse. Since assuming the roles of General Secretary and State President of Laos in January 2021, Thongloun Sisoulith has made multiple visits to Vietnam. However, this is his first official state visit to Vietnam, a trip that is expected to further strengthen the "great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation" between Vietnam and Laos.
The visit comes just two months after General Secretary and State President To Lam’s state visit to Laos in July, his first visit as the head of the Vietnamese state.
According to the Lao Ambassador to Vietnam, Khamphao Ernthavanh, during his four-day visit to Vietnam, General Secretary and President Thongloun Sisoulith will have significant engagements in Hanoi, Hai Phong, and Ho Chi Minh City.
He will hold high-level talks with General Secretary and President To Lam, meet with Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man, and Chairman of the Vietnam Fatherland Front, Đo Van Chien.
In addition, he will meet with former Vietnamese Party and State leaders, former Vietnamese volunteer soldiers and experts, and Lao students currently studying in Vietnam.
Thongloun Sisoulith will also meet with local leaders, visit economic zones in Hai Phong, including the VinFast automotive plant, and explore several historical sites. Over the past eight months, Vietnam and Laos have exchanged more than 100 high-level and lower-level delegations, signing numerous cooperation agreements.
Vietnam's Ambassador to Laos Nguyen Minh Tam emphasized that this visit by Thongloun Sisoulith is a key milestone in the history of the two nations' relationship.
Ambassador Khamphao Ernthavanh stated that the state visit by Thongloun Sisoulith and his spouse aims to continue nurturing the bilateral relationship.
This is an opportunity for both sides to exchange policies and strategies to better understand each other, enhance comprehensive cooperation, and benefit the people of both nations. It also reaffirms mutual support in regional and international forums.
Despite the complex regional and international situation, which presents both opportunities and challenges, the visit reflects the commitment of Laos and Vietnam to prioritize protecting and strengthening their special relationship for future generations.
Ngoc Mai