State President Luong Cuong and Lao Minister of Foreign Affairs Thongsavanh Phomvihane. (Photo: VOV)

President Cuong expressed his belief that under the sound leadership of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party, General Secretary and President Thongloun Sisoulith, along with the drastic direction of the Government, the close supervision of the National Assembly, and the solidarity of the entire people, the fraternal Lao country will overcome challenges and achieve goals set in the Resolution of the 11th National Party Congress and the ninth five-year socio-economic development plan.

The Vietnamese President suggested the two countries work closely to celebrate significant anniversaries this year.  He affirmed that he will visit Laos soon, following an invitation from Lao General Secretary and President Thongloun Sisoulith.

Phomvihane, for his part, praised Vietnam as a shining example of high growth, ranking among the top in the region and globally. He believed that Vietnam will successfully realise the Resolution of the 13th National Party Congress, especially as it approaches the 14th National Party Congress, and on the way to become a developed, high-income nation by 2045.

Host and guest expressed their pleasure with important progress in bilateral ties, especially stronger political trust through regular high-level exchanges, cooperation mechanisms and important collaboration orientations. Defence and security cooperation remains a cornerstone of their partnership, while economic, trade, and investment ties have grown robustly, with an increasing number of Vietnamese businesses investing in Laos. Locality-to-locality and people-to-people exchanges have been further enhanced.

They agreed on the importance of continuing to educate future generations about the invaluable bond between the two countries, describing it as an invaluable asset built on years of solidarity during the struggles for independence and national development.