Party General Secretary and President Nguyen Phu Trong (R) shakes hands with Lao Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith

On this occasion, Mr. Sisoulith paid a courtesy visit to Party General Secretary and President Nguyen Phu Trong and met with National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan. Both sides said they believe that the session will create new momentum to make bilateral ties more practical and effective, contributing to strengthening the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Laos. They agreed on orientations for cooperation in 2019, strengthening core cooperation in politics, foreign affairs, defense, and security and sharing experience in building policies on macro-economic stabilization and sustainable development. Vietnam and Laos will continue to prioritize cooperation in education, training and human resource development. Both sides concurred to continue close coordination and support for each other at regional and global forums, deepen the ASEAN Community cooperation and linkage, strengthen ASEAN’s central role in the region’s strategic issues, including the East Sea issue, and sustainably use the water sources of the Mekong River.